The 20-year-old midfielder has been accused of twice punching a man in the face out the front of a Sale petrol station in the early hours of January 20.

It is understood the victim suffered severe facial injuries and needed surgery as a result of the incident.

Cook had been in Sale for the 21st birthday party of Magpies teammate Scott Pendlebury.

The Collingwood Football Club issued a press release last week confirming Cook would be charged by the police over the incident.

"Ryan's legal advisors have informed he will defend the charge on the basis of self defence,'' the press release states.

"There will be no further comment from Ryan or the Collingwood Football Club as this is now an active case before the courts.''