Napoli Target October Return for McTominay After Heart Procedure

Scott McTominay is set to undergo surgery in London on Monday after Napoli identified a mild, benign episode of cardiac fibrillation, with the Serie A club targeting an October return for the Scotland midfielder.

Key takeaways

• McTominay will have the procedure in London and will be monitored by Napoli after returning to Italy.
• He must complete a compulsory 28-day wait before he can receive full clearance to resume playing.
• The 29-year-old appeared in Napoli’s first two league matches before missing the 3-2 defeat to Inter.
• McTominay has scored 27 times in 82 Napoli appearances since joining from Manchester United in summer 2024.
• Napoli begin their Champions League league-phase campaign against Arsenal on Wednesday before hosting Bologna on Sunday.

Napoli plan cautious route back

Napoli are treating the issue early in the season in the hope that McTominay can complete his rehabilitation before the heavier winter schedule. His availability after the operation will depend on his response to treatment and the subsequent recovery programme.

Sporting director Giovanni Manna said the midfielder cannot be given final medical approval until 28 days after the procedure. The required period is intended to confirm that his heart rhythm remains stable under the physical demands of elite competition.

Once he is back from England, Napoli’s medical staff at Castel Volturno will supervise his daily progress. The club expect a return during October if the recovery develops without complication.

A significant absence during a difficult run

McTominay played in the opening 2-0 Serie A victory over Genoa and the subsequent 2-1 loss at Como, but was unavailable for Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Inter. Napoli now enter a demanding week after those successive league defeats.

The midfielder has been central to the club since his 2024 arrival. He helped Napoli win the 2024-25 Serie A title, was named Serie A Footballer of the Year, and then led the team to the 2025-26 Supercoppa Italiana.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side host Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday, then return to domestic action against Bologna at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday. Napoli will have to manage those fixtures without McTominay as his recovery begins.