Napoli’s autumn has placed Scott McTominay in a quieter contest than the one played on Sunday afternoons: a return governed first by medical clearance, then by the judgement of Max Allegri. The Scottish midfielder is approaching a decisive examination on Tuesday 6 October, nearly a month after undergoing an ablation procedure in England.
The coach and the club
McTominay cannot resume competitive football until he receives his sporting fitness certificate. The medical assessment on 6 October is therefore the essential step in Napoli’s plan, and only a positive outcome would allow him to return fully to the squad.
Napoli have treated the recovery without shortcuts. Following his post-operation rest, McTominay began an individual reconditioning programme, combining strength work in the gym with an increasingly demanding schedule on the pitch.
That caution remained evident during the recent joint training session with Avellino at Castel Volturno. While the rest of the Napoli squad took part in the on-field test, McTominay continued separately alongside six other players working their way back from injury or fitness issues.
- McTominay underwent the ablation operation in England on 8 September.
- He followed a personalised rehabilitation and athletic reconditioning programme after the required recovery period.
- On Tuesday 6 October, he is due to undergo the examinations required for competitive clearance.
- If cleared, he could rejoin group training from Wednesday 7 October ahead of Frosinone’s visit.
The procedure requires detailed checks before the necessary authorisation can be granted. Napoli have made clear from the outset that the midfielder must complete that obligatory process before any discussion of an official return can begin.
Even a favourable verdict will not automatically put McTominay back on the pitch. The responsibility would then move from the medical staff to Allegri, who would need to judge whether the player has recovered enough sharpness to cope with a Serie A match.
Three sessions before Frosinone
Napoli host Frosinone at the Maradona on Saturday 10 October. Should McTominay receive clearance, Allegri will have three training sessions to assess him within the full group and decide whether a place among the substitutes is appropriate.
His last appearance came against Como on 30 August, when he was withdrawn in the 56th minute. He had also dealt with blister problems in the preceding weeks. The club’s position remains unchanged: medical eligibility comes first, and the coach’s selection decision follows only after that.
For McTominay, the date circled on Napoli’s calendar is 6 October. It may open the door to Frosinone, but it will not alter the central principle of his return: no risk will be taken before he is ready.
