McTominay says heart procedure came before Scotland opener

Scott McTominay said he underwent a procedure to have his heart shocked two days before Scotland played Haiti in its World Cup opener, then had corrective surgery in September for a mild, benign arrhythmia. The midfielder said at a press conference that he is now feeling much better and has returned to football.

McTominay said the heart issue emerged after Scotland arrived in the United States in early June and affected him again in August while playing for Napoli in Italy. He described being in hospital two days before the Haiti match and being put to sleep for the procedure. His account of the treatment and his recovery came from his own remarks; the reports did not include independent medical confirmation.

At the time, Scotland’s camp attributed his absence from training to a stomach complaint or sickness bug. McTominay said he was fit to play, but that being in hospital so close to the tournament was difficult after preparing for the competition. He said the experience affected him mentally in the weeks that followed and that he needed time to settle down and take a break.

Scotland lost its next two group matches, against Morocco and Brazil, and exited the tournament at the...