Scott McTominay, 29, Napoli’s midfielder, has been diagnosed with a mild benign arrhythmia causing an irregular heartbeat, the club announced on September 1, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The condition was discovered after McTominay was substituted in Napoli’s 2-1 Serie A loss to Como on August 30 [1, 4].
Napoli confirmed McTominay will undergo a corrective cardiac procedure called pulsed field ablation (PFA) in the coming days to treat the arrhythmia. A club statement said: “Scott McTominay is due to undergo corrective ablation surgery (PFA) in the coming days. The player will be available again after the international break.” [2]
Another club statement added: “Following the development of a minor, benign arrhythmia, Scott McTominay over the coming days will undergo an operation a PFA [pulsed field ablation].” [4]
The 29-year-old midfielder is expected to be sidelined for about a month and is likely to return after the international break in early October 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. That timeline means he will miss all four of Scotland’s 2026 Nations League group matches under new coach Sebastien Pocognoli. These games, scheduled between September 26 and October 6, include two matches against Slovenia, and one each against North Macedonia and Switzerland [1, 2, 3].
McTominay, a former Manchester United player who joined Napoli in 2024, has 73 caps and 15 goals for Scotland [2, 3, 4]. He was Serie A MVP in 2025 and represented Scotland at the 2026 World Cup [4].
McTominay’s absence leaves Scotland without one of their key midfielders as they prepare for the Nations League fixtures. Napoli will monitor his progress following the PFA procedure, expecting a recovery time that keeps him out through the scheduled international matches.
The next update on McTominay’s status is expected after the planned ablation procedure and as the international break concludes in early October.
