Scott McTominay Undergoes Heart Surgery, Out for Napoli's Champions League Opener

Scott McTominay has undergone minor heart surgery and will miss Napoli’s Champions League opener against Arsenal at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The Scotland international, a key figure in Napoli’s midfield and already a starter in two Serie A games this season, had long planned the procedure with the club. Napoli revealed last week that McTominay needed surgery to correct what they described as “a mild benign arrhythmia” – an irregular heartbeat classed as non-serious but still requiring intervention.

The operation took place on Monday, September 7, in England, just 48 hours before Arsenal are due to fly to Naples to begin their latest tilt at Europe’s biggest prize. Last season’s beaten finalists will not have to deal with McTominay this time.

Napoli have already ruled him out of the Group Stage curtain-raiser. Any faint hope of a rapid return vanished as the club and player mapped out a cautious recovery.

McTominay tried to calm concerns when the news first broke. Writing on Instagram, he assured supporters: “I won't take long.” At an awards ceremony in Italy, he reinforced that message, saying: “I'm fine, the procedure was something I'd planned to do with the club for quite a while.”

Napoli’s medical team and hierarchy have put a clear timeframe on his comeback. The initial club statement stressed he would be available again only after the international break. Sporting director Giovanni Manna then added more detail, explaining the impact of the medication McTominay must now take.

“It will take 28 days for (McTominay to return to) sporting fitness because he will take anticoagulant drugs,” Manna told DAZN. “For two weeks, the player will rest and then resume competitive activity without contact.”

Anticoagulants – commonly known as blood thinners – reduce the risk of blood clots but also demand strict medical supervision for athletes. For McTominay, that means a full month out of high-intensity action.

The timing hits Scotland as hard as Napoli. The four-week lay-off is expected to rule him out of Scotland’s entire upcoming Nations League programme in the international window. Steve Clarke’s side are scheduled to face Switzerland and North Macedonia before a double-header against Slovenia, all likely without one of their most influential midfielders.

The Scottish national team moved quickly to back their player once his plans were confirmed, posting: “Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Scott. Hope to see you back in a Scotland shirt soon.”

For Arsenal, the equation changes. McTominay’s absence strips Napoli of a powerful, box-to-box presence who relishes big European nights. Yet the task in Naples remains daunting. The Gunners must still find a way to handle a formidable midfield featuring fit-again duo Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour, as Napoli look to launch their campaign without one of their driving forces.