Scott McTominay set for heart procedure as Napoli confirm mild arrhythmia diagnosis

Napoli expect McTominay to return after the forthcoming international break, although the procedure is likely to prevent him from representing Scotland during their next four fixtures.

The Italian champions announced the news in a medical update detailing the treatment their midfielder will receive.

"Following the onset of a mild benign arrhythmia, Scott McTominay will undergo corrective surgery using a cardiac arrhythmia ablation (PFA) in the coming days," Napoli said.

"He will be available again after the international break."

Cardiac ablation is a procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms by targeting the tissue responsible for disrupting the organ’s electrical signals.

According to the British Heart Foundation, some procedures can take as little as 15 minutes, although the exact duration varies between patients and depends on the treatment required.

A small incision is typically made in the groin or wrist before thin tubes known as catheters are guided through a blood vessel towards the heart.

The area causing the arrhythmia is then treated to prevent the abnormal electrical signals from continuing. Methods can include radiofrequency energy or freezing the affected tissue through cryoablation.

McTominay has started both of Napoli’s Serie A matches this season and featured during their 2-1 defeat by Como at the weekend.

The 29-year-old was substituted during that match and will now spend a period on the sidelines while he undergoes the procedure and completes his recovery.

His absence represents an early setback for Napoli, with McTominay having established himself as a hugely influential figure since leaving Manchester United.

It also means Scotland are expected to begin their Nations League campaign without one of their most important players.

The newly extended international window starts on September 21, with Scotland scheduled to play four matches during the break.

They will face Slovenia (twice), Switzerland and North Macedonia as they begin their Group B1 campaign under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli.

Pocognoli will take charge of Scotland for the first time after being appointed as Steve Clarke’s successor.

The former Belgium international and Premier League defender entered coaching after ending his playing career and has since worked with Belgium’s Under-18 side, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Monaco.

He inherits a national team attempting to recover from a deeply disappointing World Cup campaign during the summer.

Scotland failed to progress beyond the group stage after scoring only one goal across their three matches at the tournament.