Scott McTominay has been cleared to return to action for Napoli just weeks after undergoing a heart procedure, handing Massimiliano Allegri a major boost as the Serie A champions look to climb the table.
The Scotland international underwent a planned ablation procedure at Manchester’s Spire Hospital in September after being diagnosed with a mild, benign arrhythmia. Further diagnostic tests have now confirmed he is fit to play, and the 29-year-old has returned to full training with the rest of the squad.
“Scott McTominay underwent further diagnostic tests, which showed that he is fit to play. The Napoli player therefore resumed training with the rest of the team after the period spent training separately,” the club said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.
How the Health Scare Unfolded
The irregular heartbeat was picked up by wearable technology during matches and training, with the issue first flagged after Napoli’s 2-1 defeat at Como on August 30. That game proved to be McTominay’s last appearance for the club, as he was substituted off in the 56th minute.
He travelled to Manchester to undergo the catheter ablation — a minimally invasive operation that corrects irregular heart rhythms — and completed the mandatory period of rest and rehabilitation before being given the green light to resume sporting activity.
The news comes as a huge relief to both club and country. McTominay was a cornerstone of Napoli’s midfield last season and his absence has been keenly felt, with the champions currently sitting ninth in the Serie A standings.
What It Means for Napoli and Allegri
McTominay has been available for selection by Allegri and is in contention to feature when Napoli host sixth-placed Frosinone on Saturday evening. His return could not come at a better time: Napoli have lost their last two high-profile matches, going down 3-2 to Inter Milan in Serie A and suffering a Champions League defeat to Arsenal — both without their Scottish engine room.
Allegri has been forced to rotate his midfield options in recent weeks, and McTominay’s energy, physicality and goal threat from deep will be welcomed back warmly at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The midfielder scored some crucial goals for Napoli last season and quickly became a fan favourite after his move from Manchester United.
His comeback also follows a pattern of encouraging injury news across Europe this week, with fellow stars such as Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s key men all nearing full fitness. McTominay’s situation, however, was the most concerning of them all given the cardiac nature of his absence.
Scotland Boost Ahead of November
The clearance is also a significant boost for Scotland, who were without McTominay for all four of their matches during the recent international break. The midfielder is expected to return to Steve Clarke’s squad in November when Scotland face Switzerland and North Macedonia.
When the heart issue was first announced, McTominay posted on Instagram: “See you soon Napoli. I won’t take long.” The 29-year-old has been true to his word — the “complete success” of the procedure means he has missed just over a month of football.
An arrhythmia, where the heart beats too quickly, too slowly or with an irregular rhythm, is a relatively common condition among elite athletes and is usually detected early through the extensive cardiac screening players now undergo, as reported by Flashscore.
When Will He Play Again?
Everything now points to McTominay being involved against Frosinone on Saturday, whether from the start or off the bench. Allegri is unlikely to rush him into 90 minutes straight away, but his presence in the squad will lift the whole team as Napoli attempt to salvage their title defence.
For the player himself, the priority was always health over football. Having cleared every medical hurdle, the final step is simply to get back out on the pitch and do what he does best.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Scott McTominay’s return from heart surgery is the best news of the week in Italian football. Napoli get back their midfield talisman just as their season hangs in the balance, and Scotland will have their star man for the November internationals.
Will he be in the starting XI against Frosinone on Saturday?
