Liverpool FC defender Jon Flanagan is due in court shortly after being charged with assaulting a woman.

The 25-year-old was arrested in the early hours of December 22 in Duke Street, Liverpool city centre .

According to court documents Flanagan is accused of assaulting alleged victim Rachael Wall by beating, an offence which carries a maximum of six months in jail.

He will appear in the dock at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

Academy graduate Flanagan broke through to Liverpool’s first team in the 2010/11 season.

The defender, who earned an England call-up in 2014, played a part in the Reds’ 2013/14 title challenge but has been plagued by injuries in recent years.

He made 10 appearances for Burnley during his loan spell at Turf Moor last season and this summer spoke of his determination to feature in Jurgen Klopp ’s plans this year.

A Liverpool FC spokesman said: “The club has been made aware of an alleged incident involving a member of the first team playing squad. We will be making no further comment on the matter while the process is ongoing with the relevant authorities.”