Southampton striker Charlie Austin has been charged with violent conduct by the FA and could serve a three-match ban if found guilty.
The Saints forward has been reprimanded for a challenge on Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the Terriers.
Lossl was bleeding and required treatment after Austin caught the Danish goalkeeper’s face with his right boot.
“The Football Association has charged Charlie Austin with violent conduct following the team’s game with Huddersfield Town,” a statement read on Southampton’s official website.
“The decision is in relation to an incident not seen by the match officials during the 1-1 draw at St Mary’s yesterday.
“The FA has issued a deadline of 5pm today to respond.”
Austin, 28, was forced off in the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield due to a hamstring problem and will miss the Boxing Day meeting with Tottenham regardless.
The former QPR man has been in good form of late, scoring five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances and his absence is a blow for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side.
