Napoli look set to be without midfielder Scott McTominay when they host Arsenal in the Champions League this week, after the Scotland international underwent minor heart surgery just days before the fixture.
The procedure, carried out in England on Monday, September 8, was intended to correct what Napoli described as "a mild benign arrhythmia" — an irregular heartbeat that the club stressed was not considered serious. The timing was notable, coming only two days before Arsenal were due to travel to Naples for the European encounter.
McTominay had already established himself as an important figure for the Serie A champions this season, having started two league matches before the procedure was scheduled. His absence represents a boost for Arsenal as they prepare to face a Napoli side that still boasts significant midfield quality, including the recently returned pairing of Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour.
Ahead of the surgery, McTominay sought to reassure supporters through social media, writing on Instagram: "I won't take long." He also addressed the situation in person while attending an awards ceremony in Italy last week, insisting the operation had long been on the cards. "I'm fine, the procedure was something I'd planned to do with the club for quite a while," he said.
Napoli's official statement on the matter indicated that the Scotland midfielder would not be sidelined for an extended period, saying he "will be available again after the international break." However, sporting director Giovanni Manna offered a more detailed and cautious timeline when speaking to broadcaster DAZN, suggesting the recovery process could take closer to a month.
"It will take 28 days for (McTominay to return to) sporting fitness because he will take anticoagulant drugs," Manna explained. He added that the early stages of recovery would be centered on rest before a gradual return to action: "For two weeks, the player will rest and then resume competitive activity without contact."
The anticoagulant medication referenced by Manna — commonly known as blood thinners — is typically prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots following procedures of this nature.
Given the roughly four-week recovery window outlined by the club, McTominay is also expected to miss Scotland's upcoming international commitments during the September break. The national team is scheduled to play four Nations League matches in that period, facing Switzerland and North Macedonia before a double-header against Slovenia. His unavailability for that stretch would be a blow to Scotland manager Steve Clarke, given McTominay's importance to the squad in recent campaigns.
Following confirmation of the midfielder's surgery, the Scottish Football Association passed on its support through an official statement, writing: "Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Scott. Hope to see you back in a Scotland shirt soon."
For Napoli, the timing of McTominay's absence is far from ideal as they open their Champions League campaign against one of the competition's most consistent recent performers. Arsenal, buoyed by the news that a key opposition midfielder will be unavailable, will still need to navigate a Napoli engine room featuring De Bruyne and Gilmour, both of whom have returned to full fitness in time for the European test.
McTominay's club and international future in the coming weeks will largely depend on how smoothly his recovery progresses, with the four-week estimate from Manna serving as the clearest guide yet for when the Scotland international might return to competitive action.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football).