Napoli confirm McTominay surgery as midfielder faces two-week recovery

Napoli confirmed on Tuesday that the Scotland international had a planned ablation procedure at Spire Manchester Hospital. The club said the operation went well and that McTominay will rest for around two weeks before returning to training.

“Scott McTominay underwent an ablation procedure at Spire Manchester Hospital this morning as planned " Napoli said in a statement. “The operation was successful. McTominay will rest for around two weeks before returning to training.”

The 29-year-old was diagnosed with a benign arrhythmia last week. The procedure was scheduled after the diagnosis. Is intended to correct an irregular heartbeat.

McTominay did not play in Napoli’s 3-2 Serie A defeat to Inter Milan on Saturday. He will now miss Wednesday’s match against Arsenal, an early test for Napoli in the Champions League.

Napoli are also likely to be without him for their matches against Bologna and Fiorentina. The current expectation is that he will return to training during the upcoming international break provided his recovery continues as planned.

The timing is difficult for Napoli. McTominay has become a part of their midfield since joining from Manchester United and his absence leaves the team short of an experienced option for a demanding run of fixtures.

Napoli have already had a few days on the pitch. Their loss to Inter was their straight defeat and the match against Arsenal now comes at a time when the club need a response. McTominay’s energy, physicality and ability to arrive in the box have often given Napoli another dimension in games.

Still the football side of the situation is secondary. Napoli’s statement offered news: the procedure was successful the recovery period is defined and there is no suggestion that the issue will keep him out for a long spell.

For McTominay the aim is simple. Rest properly return to training during the break and then work his way back, into the Napoli side once he is cleared to play.