Fulham forward Clint Dempsey will not face punishment over the challenge on John Terry that left the Chelsea and England skipper nursing a fractured cheekbone.

There had been suggestions the English Football Association could take retrospective action against Dempsey but referee Martin Atkinson saw the USA international's aerial challenge on Terry and the matter was considered dealt with at the time.

Dempsey appeared to lead with his arm during the goalless draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday but Atkinson did not report the incident to the FA.

Terry underwent surgery yesterday and will have his injury assessed ahead of the Champions League clash against Valencia on Wednesday at the Mestalla.

The England skipper carried on until half-time against Fulham before being replaced by Alex, who was pushed forward as Chelsea chased their first goal in four Premier League games.

"We needed three points and in the end we put Alex up front and when you are down to 10 men and are chasing three points, in the end you are three at the back and sometimes two," said goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Didier Drogba was also dismissed to compound Chelsea's frustrations, but the concerns were over Terry after the game, particularly with England's matches against Estonia and Russia less than two weeks away.

Under Fifa guidelines, retrospective action can only been taken if the incident was not seen by the referee or if there has been a huge error in judgement such as Ben Thatcher's infamous challenge on Pedro Mendes.

Chelsea did not agree with the FA last week over the decision to charge them for the conduct of their players and assistant coach Steve Clarke during the defeat at Manchester United.

They also lost an appeal over Mikel John Obi's red card during that match.