Thomas Partey is scheduled to appear at Southwark crown court on Wednesday morning to answer rape charges – after his new club, Villarreal, kick off their Champions League campaign at Tottenham on Tuesday night.
It is an extraordinary situation with Partey, who spent five years at Arsenal before joining Villarreal in August on a free transfer, guaranteed a hot reception at Spurs’ stadium.
The Villarreal manager, Marcelino, evaded questions over whether he would play Partey, who is a part of the squad in London. But Marcelino insisted that Partey would be able to handle the game – if selected.
Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations relate to three women, who reported incidents which took place between 2021 and 2022.
“I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play,” Marcelino said. “For sure he’ll be ready. We are really happy that Thomas is with us for his football capacity and ability and his presence as a human. He’s a great player with lots of experience. He’s played in some top sides. We know he’s got a great ability and great level.
“I think he ended last season and started this season well. He settled in during pre-season really, really well. I think he will get back to his top level which we all know that he’s got and I’m very happy he’s with us in the team.”
Marcelino was peppered with questions about Partey by English journalists at Villarreal’s pre-match press conference, at one point exclaiming that “we are talking more about Thomas than the game”. Marcelino sought to steer the conversation on to the football.
“We’re interpreting stuff and talking about a player that could be totally innocent,” he said. “We’re playing a game of football tomorrow where the important thing is football. This is where football was invented, after all.
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“Thomas is with the group. He’s available. And then tomorrow, if nothing happens to the player in terms of fitness, he will be with all of us.”
