Napoli confirm McTominay’s heart surgery was a ‘complete success’

Napoli have confirmed that Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay underwent a successful heart procedure on Tuesday morning. The club stated that the ablation surgery, performed at Spire Manchester Hospital, was a “complete success” and announced that the 29-year-old is expected to restart training later this month.

McTominay’s appearance for Napoli came during their Serie A clash against Como on August 30. He was withdrawn after 56 minutes of the 2-1 defeat, after medical staff detected a mild benign arrhythmia. The diagnosis necessitated the minimally invasive operation designed to correct irregular heart rhythms.

In a statement released by the Italian side, officials outlined that McTominay will observe a two-week rest period following the surgery before reintegrating into team drills. The club previously anticipated his return to competitive action following the international break in early October.

The news follows a message from McTominay on Instagram, where he wrote, “See you soon Napoli. I won’t take long,” after the initial announcement of his cardiac issue.

The update provides a positive development for Scotland manager Sebastien Pocognoli ahead of the national team’s upcoming fixtures. Pocognoli’s first four matches in charge include Nations League games against Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Switzerland, scheduled for late September and early October.

Medical sources describe arrhythmia as a condition where the heartbeat is inconsistent, too rapid, or too slow. Cardiac ablation, as explained by the British Heart Foundation, utilizes heat or cold energy to form small scars within the heart, blocking abnormal electrical signals and restoring a regular rhythm.