Scott McTominay to Undergo Heart Surgery, Misses Nations League

Scott McTominay will miss Scotland’s upcoming Nations League campaign as he undergoes corrective surgery for a minor heart issue.

Napoli confirmed on Tuesday that the former Manchester United midfielder has been diagnosed with “a mild benign arrhythmia” – an irregular heart rhythm the club stressed is non-serious and carries no significant risk to his overall health. The condition will, however, keep him off the pitch for the next few weeks.

The timing is a blow for both club and country. McTominay is ruled out of Napoli’s September schedule, including next week’s Champions League clash with Arsenal, a fixture that was expected to showcase his growing influence in Italy. Instead, the 27-year-old will spend the coming days preparing for a procedure designed to correct the issue.

“Following the onset of a mild benign arrhythmia, Scott McTominay will undergo corrective surgery using a cardiac arrhythmia ablation in the coming days,” read a brief club statement. “He will be available again after the international break.”

The procedure means McTominay will also be absent for Sebastien Pocognoli’s first steps as Scotland head coach. The midfielder is set to miss four Nations League fixtures: a double-header against Slovenia, followed by games against Switzerland and North Macedonia.

For Pocognoli, it removes one of his key on-field leaders just as he begins to shape a new era. For Napoli, it means navigating a crucial early stretch of the season without a player who has quickly become central to their plans.

The expectation is clear, though: deal with the issue now, get him back after the international break, and have McTominay ready for the months that really define a season.