Brave Joao Cancelo starts for Manchester City in their Premier League clash with Arsenal, just days after being attacked in his own home after attempting to fight off burglars and being left with facial injuries Joao Cancelo was attacked in his own home by four intruders earlier this week Brave Manchester City full back Cancelo attempted to fight back against them He sustained facial injuries and his jewellery collection was taken in the incident But after checks, the defender has been deemed fit to play against Arsenal today Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo has been handed a start against Arsenal this afternoon, just days after he was attacked in his own home by four burglars. The full back has been left with facial injuries, which were inflicted by the intruders. He fought back against them with his partner, Daniela, and their two-year-old daughter inside the house - although his jewellery collection was stolen. Cancelo's physical and mental wellbeing were checked ahead of City travelling down to London for the Premier League game, as reported by Sportsmail. And after passing these checks, he was deemed fit enough to take part in the squad and was made available for selection. Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo attempted to fight off four burglars during a break-in With City hoping to further tighten their grip on top spot, Cancelo has been picked in the starting XI. City's player liaison staff visited his house to offer support to his family after the break-in, while Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation. Cancelo, who lives in the suburbs of Manchester, posted a picture of himself on Instagram following the incident, which revealed the extent of his wounds. Cancelo is pictured with his partner Daniela - they have a baby daughter together called Alicia 'Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family,' he wrote. 'When you show resistance this is what happens. They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face with this state. 'I don't know how there are people with such meanness. The most important thing for me is my family and luckily they are all OK. 'And after so many obstacles in my life, this is just one more than I will overcome. Firm and strong, like always.' City said in a statement late on Thursday night that Cancelo is assisting police investigations Cancelo (left) has won the Premier League with City since joining from Juventus in 2019 His club, meanwhile, released a statement saying they were 'shocked and appalled'. Cancelo has enjoyed superb form this season, having scored three goals and picked up seven assists. He joined City in 2019 in a £60million move from Juventus, and has won the Premier League and Carabao Cup during his time in England so far. Kyle Walker returned to training this week after illness and was in contention to play today, while Oleksandr Zinchenko was also hopeful of earning a recall.
