Derby County defender Andre Wisdom is in a stable condition in hospital after being stabbed and robbed in a street attack.
Wisdom is expected to make a full recovery and he could leave hospital in two or three days.
Nottingham Forest take on arch rivals Derby at Pride Park Stadium in a crucial Sky Bet Championship fixture on Saturday.
In a statement, the Rams said: "Derby County Football Club can confirm that Andre Wisdom has been the victim of an unprovoked assault and robbery.
"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."
The incident is believed to have happened in Toxteth, Liverpool, as the 27-year-old got out of his car to visit a relative.
The Sun quotes Wisdom's sister as saying: "He’s been stabbed and is in hospital.
"He’s stable and my other brother is on his way there. It’s crazy. I can’t believe it."
Wisdom had helped Derby beat Reading 2-1 at Pride Park on Saturday.
