Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could be ruled out for up to three matches having been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association. 

Aguero escaped punishment in City’s clash with West Ham United on Sunday as he appeared to fling an elbow at Hammers defender Winston Reid. Nevertheless, with footage of the incident having been captured on television, the striker has not escaped retrospective action.

‘Sergio Aguero has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video,’ the FA announced on their website.

‘Off the ball incidents which are not seen at the time by the match officials are referred to a panel of three former elite match officials,’ it was explained.

Aguero now looks poised to miss City’s biggest game of the season so far – their trip to Old Trafford for a top of the table clash with Manchester United on September 10.

‘Each panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence,’ continued the statement.

‘For retrospective action to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision of the panel must be unanimous.’

The Argentine will have until  Wednesday, August 31 to appeal.