Black Cats target Salvador Cabanas shot in the head

Jan 26 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

"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 the attack happened in the bathroom of the bar."

Bauer claimed the shot had come from a .22-caliber shot and was unprovoked.

"He arrived conscious and responded well to the questions they asked him as he was going into hospital," Bauer told the media.

"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 is what his wife has said, that it was an assault.

"There was no shoot-out nor any quarrel."

Bauer categorically denied rumours Cabañas was left brain dead by the shooting.

Two people have been arrested for attempted murder.

Cabañas was a non-playing squad member of Paraguay’s squad at the last World Cup, but seemed certain to be a key figure for his country in South Africa. He can play as a centre-forward or a winger.

The news will not stop fellow striker David Healy’s departure from the Stadium of Light. Barnsley have moved to the front of the queue of Championship clubs hoping to sign the Northern Ireland striker to take a drop in wages and division. Coventry City, Ipswich Town, Derby County and Cardiff City are also monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, Sunderland’s home game with Bolton Wanderers has been rearranged as part of their revamped fixture list.

The original meeting was postponed this month because of concerns about supporter safety in the freezing conditions. It will now take place on March 9, a Tuesday evening game kicking off at 7.45pm.

Two further games that month have been selected for live television coverage. The matches at home to Manchester City and at Liverpool will take place on Sundays March 14 and 28 respectively. Both will kick off at 4pm.