Wallwork suffers stabbing

West Brom defender Ronnie Wallwork is in hospital after being stabbed seven times.

The former Manchester United trainee, who is currently on loan to Championship strugglers Barnsley, suffered the injuries during an incident in the Sugar Lounge bar in Manchester city centre on Thursday evening.

Wallwork suffered stab wounds to the stomach, back and hands in the nightclub, though the defender's injuries are thought not to be life threatening.

"Detectives believe this was not a random attack and are making further enquiries to trace the offender," Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.

This season, Wallwork made nine appearances for The Baggies before heading to The Tykes on loan late last month after becoming surplus to West Brom manager Tony Mowbray's requirements.

Wallwork went on to make two appearances for the managerless Oakwell club before being injured on Thursday.

It remains to be seen how the midfielder's injuries will affect Wallwork's loan at Barnsley or for how long the 29-year-old will be on the sidelines.

Barnsley have since expressed their concern in a statement on their club's official website.

"Barnsley Football Club can confirm that on-loan midfielder Ronnie Wallwork has been involved in an incident in Manchester last night," read the club statement.

"The club are deeply concerned about Ronnie and, although we do not know the full facts or circumstances surrounding the incident, we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

"Ronnie has been a model professional during his time at Barnsley Football Club and we will be liaising with West Bromwich Albion FC as to the best course of action."

West Brom echoed the sentiments of their Championship rivals regarding the midfielder.

"We are shocked and dismayed to hear that Ronnie Wallwork is in a Manchester hospital following an incident last night in which we understand he was stabbed several times," read West Brom's statement.

"We are now making our own inquiries and are awaiting further details but we have been informed by a member of his family that Ronnie is in a stable condition.

"Our thoughts are with Ronnie and his family at this difficult time."