Scott McTominay has returned to the Scotland squad after a heart procedure that took place just before the World Cup. The talismanic midfielder is now available for the upcoming Nations League fixtures after missing the first four matches under new manager Sebastien Pocognoli.
McTominay underwent a successful cardiac ablation at Spire Manchester Hospital in September. The procedure treated a mild, benign heart arrhythmia first identified after Scotland's arrival in the United States for the World Cup in early June. The issue persisted during his club football in August. The Scotland camp confirmed the operation was a complete success.
Despite the health scare, the 27-year-old played in all three of Scotland's World Cup group games. He featured for the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over Haiti on June 14, a match he prepared for just two days after the intervention. "I had to go and get the shock on my heart two days before the Haiti game," McTominay said. He also started the subsequent matches against Morocco and Brazil, but Scotland exited the tournament at the group stage.
His return comes as Scotland prepare to host FYR Macedonia on Saturday 13 November. The team's recent form has been mixed, with a win, a draw, and two losses in their last four outings. They beat FYR Macedonia 2-0 away on October 3 with goals from Kieron Bowie and John McGinn but then suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Slovenia three days later, a match where Ryan Christie scored Scotland's goal. The sequence of results began with a goalless draw in Slovenia on September 26 and a 3-0 home loss to Switzerland on September 29.
Manager Pocognoli will be relieved to have a key player back for a key home game. McTominay's availability adds a significant option in midfield as Scotland look to build on their recent away victory and improve their standing in the Nations League.
Read the full report at ESPN
