England defender James, 23, did not play due to injury.

The Football Association stated that: “It’s alleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the game.”

James has until September 29 to reply to a charge of violating FA rule E3.

After the 1-0 loss to Villa at Stamford Bridge, James allegedly confronted referee Jarrod Gillett.

Right-back James suffered a hamstring injury in training last month after struggling with injuries throughout the 2022-23 season.

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Chelsea were reduced to ten men at Villa on September 24, as an Ollie Watkins goal ensured their shaky start to the season continued.

The Blues have only five points in six Premier League games under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, their worst start to a season in eight years, and are in 14th.

Malo Gusto, a French defender, was sent off in the 58th minute for reckless play after the video assistant referee (VAR) prompted referee Gillett to check the pitchside monitor.

Gusto was initially given a yellow card for a tackle on Villa defender Lucas Digne by Gillett, but the official upgraded it to a red.