Southampton defender Dan Seaborne is in a potentially life-threatening condition after being reportedly attacked outside a Southampton nightclub in the early hours of Friday morning.
The 24-year-old centre-back was reportedly seen lying outside Junk nightclub, London Road, after suffering serious head injuries.
Seaborne was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Southampton General Hospital.
Hampshire Constabulary said that the man's condition was "serious and potentially life-threatening" and two men, aged 35 and 29, had been arrested.
A spokesman said: "Investigating officers are trying to establish the circumstances that led to the man sustaining the injuries.
"Although they have identified a number of witnesses they are appealing for others to come forward."
Seaborne signed for Southampton from Exeter City in January 2010 for a fee of £250,000. He has since made 43 appearances for the Saints.
