Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon hobbled into court on crutches on Friday and will now stand trial for allegedly assaulting a nightclub bouncer.
Puncheon, 31, was arrested and charged after an incident outside Mishiko bar in Reigate, Surrey, on December 17 — hours after Palace had won 3-0 at Leicester City without him.
The player, who denied the allegations, was on crutches after being injured on December 31 against Manchester City.
Puncheon was at Guildford Magistrates' Court to plead not guilty to charges of common assault and causing fear or provocation of violence.