Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has disclosed that he underwent a medical procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat just two days before his country's opening World Cup match against Haiti in June. The 29-year-old Napoli star, who was put to sleep for the treatment, still played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 victory in Massachusetts.
A Shocking Setback
McTominay, formerly of Manchester United, described the ordeal as a sudden and unsettling experience. "I had to go and get the shock on my heart," he said. "It was two days before the Haiti game. You've prepared so well. I was in such good condition and then something like that happens. You're thinking, 'how is this happening to me?'"
Despite the shock, the midfielder was given the all-clear to feature in the tournament. He also played the full match in Scotland's defeats to Morocco and Brazil. "You have to get on with it, that's the cards that you're dealt in football," he added. "Sometimes, things don't go your way. I was 100% fit, but obviously, whenever you're sat in a hospital bed two days before the first game of the World Cup about to get put to sleep, it's not ideal, is it?"
Road to Recovery
The procedure, known as an ablation, is a minimally invasive operation to correct irregular heart rhythms. McTominay underwent the treatment in Manchester in the autumn, which caused him to miss Scotland's opening four Nations League fixtures. However, he has since returned to action for Napoli in both domestic and Champions League competitions and has been recalled to the national squad.
Reflecting on his recovery, McTominay expressed relief and gratitude. "I'm feeling much, much better than what I was. I feel like it was something that needed to be done. In your career, you have moments like that where things can take you a bit by surprise," he said. "Obviously, it looks a lot worse to people in the media and family and friends who reach out to you after they see news related to a heart issue, but it's a relatively straightforward procedure, which went really, really well in Manchester. So just really happy to be back and playing football again. That's the most important thing in my life and it always will be in terms of wanting to come back and prove myself again and making sure that I can go to another level."
Looking Ahead
Scotland, now under the management of Sebastien Pocognoli, are set to host North Macedonia on Friday before traveling to Switzerland on Monday for their next Nations League encounters. McTominay's return is a timely boost for the squad as they aim to build momentum. The midfielder's resilience and determination to return stronger than ever will be crucial for both club and country in the months ahead.
