Scott McTominay set to undergo heart surgery – as Napoli release health update on former Man United star
Scott McTominay is set to undergo corrective heart surgery, his club Napoli have confirmed.
The former Manchester United star, 29, has developed a heart condition known as mild, benign arrhythmia.
According to medical experts, this is an irregular heart rhythm that is non life-threatening and something that should be resolved after the corrective procedure.
In a statement, Napoli said: ‘Following the onset of a mild benign arrhythmia, Scott McTominay will undergo corrective surgery using a cardiac arrhythmia ablation (PFA) in the coming days.
‘He will be available again after the international break.’
The British Heart Foundation say the PFA procedure that McTominay will undertake is when heat or cold energy is used to create tiny scars in the heart to block faulty signals and restore a typical heartbeat.
Scott McTominay is set to undergo corrective heart surgery, his club Napoli have confirmed
He is expected to be able to return to full fitness following a short period out.
However, Napoli’s revelation that he will miss the international break means that McTominay will be unavailable for new Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli’s first four games in charge.
The midfielder featured in Napoli’s 2-1 defeat by Como in Serie A on Sunday, with the 29-year-old substituted after 56 minutes.
He previously played the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 victory over Genoa on the opening day of the season.
McTominay has been a revelation since joining the Italian side from Manchester United in 2024.
The Scottish star has scored 27 goals and added 10 assists in just 82 appearances, and he played a key role in their Serie A triumph in 2024-25.
Under Antonio Conte, he evolved from a dependable squad player at Old Trafford into one of Europe’s most effective box-crashing midfielders, scoring 12 Serie A goals and earning the division’s MVP award during that superb campaign.
He also came 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2025, ahead of players including Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Michael Olise.
McTominay repeatedly delivered in big moments, none more so than on the final day of the season when an acrobatic strike put Napoli ahead as they clinched the title over Inter Milan.
His impact prompted comparisons with Napoli icon Diego Maradona, with the Argentine’s son even likening the Scot to Jesus.
But it is not only McTominay’s exploits on the pitch that have won over supporters.
McTominay has embraced life in Naples and immersed himself in Neapolitan culture, while also learning to speak Italian.
On the day of his medical, he asked to visit the club’s home, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, to pay his respects to the Argentine legend.
He also went viral in April 2025 after hailing the quality of local tomatoes.
‘Oh my goodness, the tomatoes,’ he said. ‘Bellissimo. I never ate them at home, they are just red water.
‘Here, they actually taste like tomatoes. Now I eat them as a snack. I eat all the vegetables, all of the fruits. It is all so fresh. It’s incredible.’
Moments like this helped McTominay earn the endearing nickname ‘McFratm’, with ‘Fratm’ meaning ‘my brother’ in local slang.
His face has appeared on murals, flags and even birthday cakes, while supporters erected a shrine to him in Naples city centre after the 2025 title triumph.
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