Watford defender Paolo Vernazza has been stabbed by an intruder in his Islington home.
The former Arsenal player received stab wounds to his leg in the incident and he is expected to be out for at least a month.
Also attacked was Vernazza's former youth team colleague at Arsenal Andrew Douglas - now a Grays Athletic player - who needed emergency surgery in hospital after being stabbed.
Ambulancemen rushed the two players to an East London hospital after the attack on Monday night and Vernazza was treated for minor injuries.
Douglas remains in a critical but stable condition following emergency surgery, but Vernazza was discharged.
A statement from Scotland Yard said: "The Burglary Squad in Hackney are appealing for witnesses to a burglary and GBH at a house in Portland Rise, N4.
"The suspect stabbed the tenant in the leg and his friend in the chest. He then made off on foot, dropping several items he had stolen."