Andre Wisdom, the Derby County defender and former Liverpool player, is recovering in hospital after being stabbed during "an unprovoked assault and robbery", the Championship club confirmed.
Wisdom was attacked during a visit to his relatives in Toxteth, Liverpool.
"Derby County Football Club can confirm that Andre Wisdom has been the victim of an unprovoked assault and robbery," Derby said.
"He sustained injuries which resulted in him being admitted to hospital, where he is in a stable condition.
"Merseyside police are investigating and the Club will focus its efforts on supporting Andre and his family. Therefore we will not be making any further comment at this time."
Wisdom joined Derby from Liverpool in 2017 for a reported fee of £3 million (Dh13.55m) after making 14 appearances for the Reds.
He has featured in 20 games for Derby in all competitions this season and played the full 90 minutes in Saturday's home league win against Reading.