Thomas Partey is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday morning to answer rape charges, just hours after his new club, Villarreal, face Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday night. The 32-year-old, who spent five years at Arsenal before joining Villarreal on a free transfer in August, is part of the travelling squad and could play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Villarreal manager Marcelino declined to confirm whether Partey would feature, but insisted the midfielder is mentally prepared. 'I'm totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play,' Marcelino said. 'For sure he'll be ready.'
Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, involving three women. He has not yet entered a plea.
Marcelino attempted to steer attention back to football, saying: 'We're interpreting stuff and talking about a player that could be totally innocent. We're playing a game of football tomorrow where the important thing is football.' He added that Partey has settled well since joining and is available for selection pending fitness.
The match at Tottenham marks a return to north London for Partey, who made 132 appearances for Arsenal before his departure. If selected, he is likely to face a hostile reception from the home crowd.
