Scott McTominay has revealed he was in hospital under sedation to receive a heart shock just 48 hours before Scotland started their World Cup campaign against Haiti in June.
World Cup Build-Up and Hospitalization
At the time, McTominay missing training sessions was attributed to a stomach bug. It later came to light in August that the Napoli midfielder required surgery to fix an irregular heartbeat, with the operation performed in September, which forced him to miss Scotland’s opening four Nations League games. The athlete has now explained that the issue surfaced in the United States while the squad readied themselves for their tournament opener at Boston Stadium.
Now returned to the national squad for upcoming matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland, the 29-year-old told media in Glasgow that the tournament proved very tough. He explained that lying in a hospital bed put to sleep two days prior to a World Cup debut is far from ideal, adding that after reflecting on the tournament, it marked the deepest disappointment of his professional career.
Recovery and Return to Action
Scotland suffered a group-stage exit, leading to criticism of McTominay’s displays and the subsequent resignation of manager Steve Clarke. Sébastien Pocognoli, who succeeded Clarke, is set to select McTominay for the first time when North Macedonia travel to Hampden Park on Friday. McTominay made his club return for Napoli in early October and has since netted five goals, including two braces against Bodø/Glimt and Roma, while attempting to minimize the gravity of his cardiac condition.
Stating that he feels significantly better, McTominay noted that the operation was necessary and that medical professionals at Napoli and his cardiologist in Manchester clearly explained the straightforward procedure. He also praised the Scotland medical staff and team personnel for keeping him relaxed during the ordeal.
