Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo was left with a bruised eye and a gash on his face after confronting four attackers who threatened him, his partner and his two-year-old daughter on Thursday evening December 30th.
While the incident is being investigated by the police, Cancelo’s ability to travel with Pep Guardiola’s squad for Saturday’s match against Arsenal is in doubt.
The Manchester City full-back revealed injuries to his face in an Instagram Story on Thursday evening, saying they were sustained as a result of the attack.
The Portugal defender, 27, did not say where the attack happened, but City later said it was during a burglary at the player's home.
"Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family. When you show resistance this is what happens," Cancelo posted.
The photo he shared showed a deep cut above his right eye. "I don't know how there are people with such meanness," he added. "The most important thing for me is my family and luckily they are all OK. After so many obstacles in my life this is just one more that I will overcome. Firm and strong, like always."
A Manchester City statement late on Thursday night read: "We are shocked and appalled that Joao Cancelo and his family were subjected to a burglary at their home this evening during which Joao was also assaulted. Joao and his family are being supported by the Club and he is helping the police with their enquiries as they investigate this very serious matter."
Cancelo played the full 90 minutes in Manchester City's 1-0 win at Brentford on Wednesday night as City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points.
He joined City in a big-money move from Juventus in August 2019, which saw Danilo move the other way as part of the deal. The former Valencia and Juventus defender has been one of City's greatest creative forces from full-back with seven assists to his name this term.
Starting 25 matches and being directly involved in five Premier League goals already this season, Cancelo marked his 100th Manchester City appearance earlier this month with a goal at St James' Park, with the 27 year-old on the scoresheet in a 4-0 win over Newcastle in December.