Scott McTominay has moved to calm concerns surrounding his health after Napoli confirmed that the midfielder will undergo a corrective procedure for a mild heart rhythm condition.
The former Manchester United star, 29, said there was no reason for supporters to worry and revealed that the procedure had been discussed with Napoli for some time.
Speaking at the Gran Gala Del Calcio on Wednesday night, McTominay said: “I’m fine. The procedure was something I’d planned to do with the club for quite a while.”
He added: “We’d already talked about it in pre-season. I’ll be out for a few weeks.”
Napoli confirm McTominay will miss several weeks
Napoli announced earlier this week that McTominay had developed what they described as a “mild benign arrhythmia”.
The club said he would undergo cardiac arrhythmia ablation using pulsed field ablation (PFA), a corrective treatment designed to address abnormal electrical signals in the heart.
Napoli expect the midfielder to be available again after the international break, meaning he will miss Scotland’s upcoming fixtures.
The timing is particularly notable because new Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli will be without one of the country’s most influential midfielders for his first four matches in charge.
What McTominay’s procedure involves
Medical guidance indicates that cardiac ablation can be used to correct abnormal heart rhythms by creating small areas of scar tissue that prevent faulty electrical signals from travelling through the heart.
With McTominay’s condition described as mild and benign, the club’s statement did not indicate that the midfielder faces a serious long-term health problem.
His own comments have further reassured supporters, with McTominay making clear that the absence is planned and that he expects to return within weeks.
McTominay played before the diagnosis was announced
The announcement came shortly after McTominay had featured for Napoli at the beginning of the Serie A campaign.
He started their opening-day 2-0 victory over Genoa and completed the full 90 minutes.
The Scotland international then appeared in the 2-1 defeat against Como on Sunday, although he was substituted after 56 minutes.
His upcoming absence will therefore leave Napoli temporarily without a player who has become central to their midfield since arriving from Manchester United in 2024.
From Manchester United squad player to Napoli star
McTominay’s career in Italy has developed dramatically since his departure from Old Trafford.
Across 82 appearances for Napoli, he has contributed 27 goals and 10 assists, playing an important role in the club’s Serie A title success during the 2024-25 campaign.
Under Antonio Conte, the midfielder developed into a regular goal threat from deep, scoring 12 league goals during that title-winning season.
His performances were rewarded with the Serie A MVP award, while he also finished 18th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.
That ranking placed him ahead of several globally recognised names, including Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Michael Olise.
His biggest Napoli moment came on the final day
One of McTominay’s defining moments came on the final day of Napoli’s title-winning campaign.
The midfielder scored an acrobatic goal that put Napoli ahead as they secured the championship ahead of Inter Milan.
His importance to the club has since led to comparisons with Napoli legend Diego Maradona, while Maradona’s son even made a comparison between the Scottish midfielder and Jesus.
McTominay’s influence has consequently extended far beyond his statistics, with supporters viewing him as one of the key figures of Napoli’s recent success.
McTominay has embraced life in Naples
The midfielder has also become closely connected with the city away from football.
McTominay, who lives in Naples with his partner Cam Reading, has embraced local culture and has been learning Italian since moving to the club.
His affection for Napoli was evident from the beginning of his time there.
During his medical, he reportedly asked to visit the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to pay tribute to the legendary Argentine.
He has also become known among supporters for his enthusiasm for the city’s food and produce.
‘McFratm’ has become a Napoli favourite
McTominay’s comments about Naples’ tomatoes became a viral moment in April 2025.
“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.”
That affection for his adopted home has helped supporters give him the affectionate nickname “McFratm”, with “Fratm” meaning “my brother” in local slang.
His popularity has grown to the point where his image has appeared on murals, flags and birthday cakes across Naples.
Following Napoli’s title triumph in 2025, supporters even erected a shrine dedicated to the midfielder in the city centre.
For now, McTominay’s focus will be on completing his planned procedure and recovering before returning to the team.
His message to supporters, however, was clear: he expects to be back on the pitch within a matter of weeks.
