Chelsea captain Reece James is facing an FA charge despite not even being fit to play.

The right-back, who has been absent with a hamstring problem, has been charged for abusing an official in his team's 1-0 loss to Aston Villa at the weekend.

James, who is said to have reacted badly towards the official in the tunnel, has time to respond.

A statement from the Football Association reads: "Reece James has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following Chelsea's Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday, 24 September.

"It's alleged that the defender used improper and/or insulting and/or abusive words and/or behavior towards a match official in the tunnel after the game.

“Reece James has until Friday, 29 September, to provide a response to this charge."