Romelu Lukaku faces three-match ban (Picture: Getty)

Romelu Lukaku could miss the Manchester derby next month should the FA decide to punish the striker for kicking out at Gaetan Bong.

The Manchester United striker was caught on video over the weekend twice striking the Brighton defender in the groin.

Lukaku lashed out at Bong twice in the space of a few seconds when the pair clashed as a corner was being taken.

The incident went unnoticed by referee Neil Swarbrick, but the FA have now intervened and Lukaku is in danger of missing the away trip to Arsenal and the Old Trafford game against Manchester City.

The FA will review Swarbrick’s notes, but have already seen the initial footage of the incident.

Romelu Lukaky kicks Gaetan Bong in the groin
Lukaku kicked out at Gaetan Bong (Picture: Sport Premium)
Romelu Lukaku kicks out at Gaetan Bong
Then kicked out a second time, catching Bong in the groin (Picture: Sport Premium)
Romelu Lukaky kicks Gaetan Bong in the groin
(Picture: Sport Premium)
Gaetan Bong holds his groin after a kick from Romelu Lukaku
(Picture: Sport Premium)

More video will be examined before it is determined whether action needs to be taken against the striker.

A three-match ban would rule Lukaku out of the crucial derby clash with City on December 10.

United must beat City to keep in touch with the Premier League leaders and keep their title hopes alive.

Manchester United 2018/19 Fixtures

Fulham (A) - Feb 9
PSG (H) - Feb 12
Chelsea (A) - Feb 18
Liverpool (H) - Feb 24
Crystal Palace (A) - Feb 27
Southampton (H) - Mar 2

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Jose Mourinho’s side are the closest challengers to City, but are already eight points behind the Sky Blues.

Should Lukaku be slapped with a violent conduct charge, it will automatically be ruled out of their next three games.

That would mean the goalscorer would miss the game against Watford on Tuesday and another crucial league fixture against Arsenal on Saturday.

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