According to Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna, McTominay is expected to return in early October.

Manna stated that McTominay has been sidelined since undergoing surgery on September 8th to address benign arrhythmia. He requires 28 days before being cleared for exercise and is still taking anticoagulant medication. McTominay needs two weeks of rest, followed by two to three weeks of non-contact training. Napoli hopes he can return in October, as the team will play nine matches during that period.

Surgery Status

McTominay underwent an ablation procedure on September 8th at Spire Manchester Hospital. Napoli's official announcement stated that the surgery was very successful and McTominay would rest for approximately two weeks before resuming training. Combining Manna's mentioned 28-day recovery period and two to three weeks of non-contact training, McTominay is expected to return to play in the first week of October, although the recovery timeline could be extended if complications arise.

When receiving an award at the Italian Football Grand Gala, McTominay said: "I'm fine. This was discussed with the club beforehand, and we knew it might happen." At the event in Milan on September 2nd, Manna also confirmed this, revealing that McTominay had a similar episode with the national team in June this year, and it recurred recently, so the club decided to arrange surgery early, hoping he could return in October.

McTominay's performance against Como was below his usual standard, which manager Max Allegri initially attributed to a foot blister issue, stating he could only train under limited conditions. However, McTominay was dealing with a more serious underlying problem. Two days after his last Serie A appearance at the Stadio San Paolo, Napoli released an announcement stating his condition was "mild benign arrhythmia."

Before heading to Manchester, McTominay bid farewell to fans via social media: "See you soon, Napoli. I won't be gone for long." The post received thousands of well wishes, with Napoli fans continuously leaving messages on his page wishing him a speedy recovery.

Alternative Options

Allegri also has to manage Anguissa's inconsistent availability. In the first Champions League match and the league match against Bologna, Allegri deployed a double pivot formation, with Lobotka and Gilmour controlling the midfield. This approach yielded positive results, but it still could not fully compensate for McTominay's absence.

McTominay scored 12 goals and provided 3 assists in his first Serie A season with Napoli. Statistically, comparing him to a striker would not be an exaggeration. McTominay's availability significantly impacts the team's quality, physicality, and individual ability in crucial moments. Allegri and Napoli fans alike are awaiting the return of the Scottish midfielder, hoping his comeback will not be delayed.

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