The Belarus winger was involved in an off-the-ball clash with Reading captain Graeme Murty during the Barclays Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Hleb appeared to strike the Royals defender with his open hand, but the incident, which left both Murty and the Reading bench incensed, was missed by referee Peter Walton.

However, officials at Soho Square, as well as Walton himself, have now reviewed television footage and on Tuesday charged the Arsenal winger.

If proven, Hleb could be banned for three matches - a punishment he would have received on the day had it been seen and punished by a red card from the referee.

Such a sanction would effectively end Hleb's season as it would rule the 26-year-old out of the games with Derby, Everton and finally Sunderland.

Hleb has until Wednesday evening to respond to the charge, with a regulatory commission set to hear the case on Thursday.

An FA statement read: "Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has been charged with violent conduct.

"Hleb was involved in an incident with Reading defender Graeme Murty during the second half of the match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday April 19.

"The incident was not seen by referee Peter Walton. Having now watched video footage of the incident, Walton has informed the FA that, had he seen it at the time, he would have shown Hleb a red card for violent conduct.

"Hleb has until 6pm on Wednesday April 23 to admit or deny the charge. A regulatory commission will hear the case on Thursday April 24."

The potential loss of Hleb would be another blow to manager Arsene Wenger, whose team's season has unravelled over the past eight weeks having at one stage looked well set for both the Premier League title and European glory.

The winger has been one of Arsenal's most consistent performers and has been linked with a big-money move to the continent this summer, with Inter Milan said to be keeping close tabs on the situation.

Wenger continues to maintain his priority is keeping the current squad together, with the future of out-of-contract midfielder Mathieu Flamini yet to be resolved.

While the Arsenal manager insists he does not need to spend big in the summer, rumours continue that Wenger will dip into the transfer market as he looks to ensure his men can last the distance next time around.

However, Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has denied an offer is on the table from the Emirates Stadium club for their highly-rated Brazilian striker Amauri.

The 27-year-old is currently in the process of acquiring Italian citizenship, which would get round any potential work permit problems and Serie A giants Juventus are in the hunt for his signature at the cost of a reported £16million.

Zamparini said: "We have not received any offers from Arsenal. Other clubs have contacted from Spain and England, but the problem remains his passport."