Man City’s João Cancelo ready to face Arsenal despite assault

Portuguese defender suffers facial injuries during attack


João Cancelo is available for Manchester City’s game at Arsenal on Saturday after a violent assault on the Portuguese at his family home left him with facial injuries.

The 27-year-old is travelling with Pep Guardiola’s squad to London after informing the manager on Friday he wishes to be considered for selection despite the incident on Thursday evening during which Cancelo confronted four intruders and was left with a scar and bruising around his right eye.

After the attack, which police are investigating, the defender posted a picture of himself on Instagram and said: “Unfortunately I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family.”

Kyle Walker has returned to training after injury so should Guardiola choose to rest Cancelo, who can operate as either full-back, City could play the England international at right-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Aké options at left-back. – Guardian