Kurt Zouma is set to appear in court just a week after West Ham’s potential Europa League final clash.
Zouma is expected to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on May 24, just six days after the Europa League final in Seville on May 18.
West Ham are two games away from the final, and will make the event if they beat German side Eintracht Frankfurt over two legs.
The court date comes after it was announced that he and his brother Yoan are being prosecuted by the RSPCA under the Animal Welfare Act.
Kurt Zouma
Zac Goodwin
Zouma, 27, is currently out with an ankle injury
Steve Paston
The prosecution relates to a video, which surfaced on social media in February, appearing to show the French defender kicking and slapping one of his cats.
As a result of the incident, the RSPCA took the 27-year-old’s two pet cats into care.
A statement from the RSPCA said: “Following a full and thorough investigation, we have started the process of bringing a prosecution against Kurt Zouma and Yoan Zouma under the Animal Welfare Act.
“The two cats continue to be cared for by the RSPCA. We will be in a position to release more information once a court date is confirmed."
West Ham fined their player the maximum amount possible when the incident came to light.
But the east London club controversially continued to play him, despite both the club and player receiving backlash over the matter.
Zouma is currently out with an ankle injury, with a potential return date not yet confirmed.
A club statement said last week: "The France international defender is to remain in London for further tests and examination on the ankle injury.”
