Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas is in serious condition after being shot in the head during an attack in a bar, Mexico City's attorney general has confirmed.
The 29-year-old striker, who was visiting the establishment with friends and relatives, was attacked early in the morning at the bar in the south of Mexico City.
"He was shot in the head," prosecutor Miguel Angel Mancera, told the news channel Televisa. "According to an initial report it [the bullet] was a shot from a firearm with a frontal entry point and without exit."
"We don't clearly know the motive behind the injury ... The player is conscious but he has a heart problem which they're trying to stabilise.
"We're waiting to see what those arrested have to say. It seems that the attack happened in the bathroom of the bar.''
Cabanas is a prolific goalscorer for Primera División de México side Club America - scoring 18 goals in 24 matches this season - and he is an integral part of Paraguay's national side.
Doctor Ernesto Martinez Duhart, who operated on Cabanas, said: "Salvador Cabanas is in a serious condition but stable.''
A statement on Club America's official website added: "The bullet has not yet been removed from his head, because it is in the back of the head and to remove it could cause more damage than leaving it there for now.
"Cabanas is suffering from a severe head injury. The situation remains serious, it was decided to remove clots and other debris. For now he is under sedation and in the coming days we will monitor developments surrounding our player.''
Club president Michel Bauer said he believed the attack to have been unprovoked, having spoken to Cabanas' wife who was present with the striker at the time of the attack.
"He arrived conscious and responded well to the questions they asked him as he was going into hospital,'' Bauer told Televisa. "It's a key point that can be encouraging, but until further notice we cannot speculate on anything at all.
"They wanted to assault him. I can confirm that that is what his wife has said, that it was an assault. There was no shoot-out nor any quarrel.''
The former Paraguayan Footballer of the Year was expected to feature in the World Cup in South Africa where La Albirroja are in Group F with Italy, Slovakia and New Zealand.
Bauer added that he believed the attack to have been unprovoked, having spoken to Cabanas' wife who was present with the striker at the time of the attack.
"He arrived conscious and responded well to the questions they asked him as he was going into hospital. It's a key point that can be encouraging, but until further notice we cannot speculate on anything at all.
"They wanted to assault him. I can confirm that that is what his wife has said, that it was an assault. There was no shoot-out nor any quarrel.''
The club also released an official statment thanking all those who have sent messages of support.
"Club America appreciates all the support, solidarity and expressions of affection for Salvador Cabanas. So far there are no medical reports, but we are awaiting to keep the public informed in a timely way and be the first to announce any progress.
"We deeply regret what happened to our beloved player Salvador Cabanas and express our full support and solidarity with his families and loved ones.
"The directors, coaching staff and players are very attentive to his progress...and will keep the public and our fans informed with the latest developments.
"Beyond being a great player, Salvador, you are a great companion and in these difficult times we are on your side in body and soul.''
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