Scott McTominay has revealed that he received treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat two days before Scotland's World Cup victory over Haiti, and was given the all-clear to play the opening match.
McTominay said he underwent an ablation procedure in Manchester two days before the World Cup match. He described being put to sleep for the treatment and then playing the full 1-0 victory over Haiti in Massachusetts.
“It was two days before the Haiti game,” he said. “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?'” He also played 90 minutes in losses to Morocco and Brazil.
McTominay missed Scotland's opening four Nations League fixtures and has been recalled to the squad. He praised his club and medical staff.
“I'm feeling much, much better than what I was,” he said. He said it looked a lot worse to people in the media, family and friends, but was a relatively straightforward procedure that went really well.
The Napoli midfielder is in the squad for upcoming Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland. He said it was always about coming back stronger.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Reveals the health challenges athletes can face even during major tournaments like the World Cup
- Highlights the importance of medical procedures in enabling athletes to continue their careers
- Demonstrates McTominay's resilience and dedication to his team despite personal health issues
Background
Scott McTominay is a 29-year-old Scottish footballer who plays for Napoli in Italy. He previously played for Manchester United and has been a key member of Scotland's national team. The World Cup mentioned was held in the United States, where Scotland secured an opening win over Haiti in Massachusetts.
What to Watch
- McTominay's performance in the Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland
- Any further updates on his heart health and the long-term impact of the procedure
- Potential coverage of athletes' health issues in high-stakes competitions
Checked
11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedMcTominay revealed he received heart treatment days before a World Cup game.BBC Scotland: “Scott McTominay says he received treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat two days before Scotland's World Cup win over Haiti in June.”
- SupportedThe Napoli midfielder underwent an ablation procedure in Manchester.BBC Scotland: “The Napoli midfielder recently underwent an ablation procedure - a minimally invasive operation to correct irregular heart rhythms - in Manchester.”
- SupportedMcTominay received treatment for an irregular heartbeat two days before Scotland's World Cup win over Haiti.BBC Scotland: “Scott McTominay says he received treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat two days before Scotland's World Cup win over Haiti in June.”
- SupportedMcTominay was given the all-clear to play in Scotland's opening match against Haiti.BBC Scotland: “At the World Cup, the 29-year-old was was put to sleep to correct his heartbeat and given the all-clear to play in the opening 1-0 victory over Haiti in Massachusetts.”
- Partly supportedMcTominay said he underwent the ablation procedure in Manchester two days before the World Cup match.BBC Scotland: “The Napoli midfielder recently underwent an ablation procedure - a minimally invasive operation to correct irregular heart rhythms - in Manchester.”
- SupportedMcTominay said, “It was two days before the Haiti game.”BBC Scotland: “"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?'"”
- Not in the sourcesMcTominay described playing the full 1-0 victory over Haiti.BBC Scotland: “At the World Cup, the 29-year-old was was put to sleep to correct his heartbeat and given the all-clear to play in the opening 1-0 victory over Haiti in Massachusetts.”
- SupportedMcTominay said, “I'm feeling much, much better than what I was.”BBC Scotland: “"I'm feeling much, much better than what I was."”
- SupportedMcTominay played 90 minutes in losses to Morocco and Brazil.BBC Scotland: “revealed the former Manchester United player, who also played 90 minutes in the losses to Morocco and Brazil.”
- SupportedMcTominay missed Scotland's opening four Nations League fixtures and has been recalled to the squad.BBC Scotland: “He missed Scotland's opening four Nations League fixtures - a win, a draw and two defeats - but has been recalled to the squad”
- SupportedMcTominay is in the squad for upcoming Nations League matches against North Macedonia and Switzerland.BBC Scotland: “Sebastien Pocognoli's side host North Macedonia on Friday and visit Switzerland on Monday.”
