Diego Costa faces a three-match ban if found guilty by the FA after they have charged the Brazil-born Spain striker of violent conduct after an alleged stamp in the Capital One Cup semi-final with Liverpool on Tuesday.
Costa will miss three crucial matches against Manchester City on Saturday and games against Aston Villa and Everton.
He has until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charge - accept it or challenge.
Either way, the result will be fast-tracked and the outcome will affect Chelsea for the game on Saturday which will see the return of Frank Lampard to Stamford Bridge.
Costa is alleged to have stamped on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel although it's only the Can incident that is under consideration.