Napoli Expect Scott McTominay Return by Mid-October After Heart Procedure
Napoli expect Scott McTominay to be back in full competition by mid-October after the Scotland midfielder undergoes a planned heart procedure in London.
McTominay situation at a glance
| Item | Details | Immediate impact |
|---|---|---|
| Medical issue | Mild benign arrhythmia | Procedure planned in London |
| Estimated recovery | 28 days to regain sporting fitness | Full-contact return requires medical clearance |
| Napoli contract | Current deal expires in 2028 | Extension talks remain unresolved |
| Scotland record | 73 caps | Set to miss four Nations League fixtures |
The 29-year-old has been diagnosed with an occasional irregular heartbeat, with Napoli moving quickly to limit the disruption to his campaign. McTominay has insisted there is no cause for alarm, describing the treatment as something he and the club had arranged some time ago.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna said the recovery will be managed carefully because McTominay will take anticoagulant medication. The midfielder will spend the first fortnight resting, then begin fitness and non-contact work. A return to matches will only follow specialist approval.
Manna said: “It will take 28 days to recover sporting fitness because he will be on anticoagulants. He will rest for two weeks, then restart competitive activity without contact.”
McTominay has already sat out Napoli’s 3-2 loss to Inter Milan, Massimiliano Allegri’s side’s second consecutive defeat. He is also expected to be unavailable for a demanding sequence involving Arsenal, Bologna and Fiorentina.
Renewal talks have stalled
There is also uncertainty over McTominay’s longer-term future in Naples. His existing contract runs until 2028, but attempts to agree an extension have not yet produced a breakthrough.
Manna said the player has not decided whether he will sign a new deal. The director made clear that Napoli want to continue with McTominay and that the midfielder shares that intention, but said aligning every part of an agreement has proved difficult. He also referred to the player having two years remaining on his present contract.
The absence is a major blow for Scotland at the start of Sebastien Pocognoli’s reign. McTominay will miss four Nations League games against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia.
Having scored the goals that sealed Scotland’s place at the 2026 World Cup, McTominay leaves a significant gap for the new head coach while he completes his recovery.
