Partey ‘ready’ to face Tottenham a day before court appearance, Marcelino says

Villarreal manager Marcelino said midfielder Thomas Partey is "ready" to face Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday, a day before the player is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court for a plea hearing on allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Partey, 32, was charged last month with five counts of rape relating to two women and a separate charge of sexual assault involving a third woman. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 while the Ghana international was at Arsenal. Partey has denied the charges; his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said he "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name." He was granted conditional bail and signed for Villarreal two days later.

"I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow," Marcelino said on Monday. "For sure he will be ready. We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human. He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level."

When asked whether he had spoken to Partey about potential hostility from Tottenham fans, Marcelino said the team was focused on football. "We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent," the coach added. "We're playing a game of football tomorrow where the important thing is football. This is where football was invented after all. Do you understand me? Thank you."

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and made 167 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals. He has made four appearances for Villarreal this season, including one start. Villarreal finished fifth in La Liga last season and face Tottenham, who are Arsenal's north London rivals, in the Champions League opener.

The plea hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, the day after Villarreal's match at Tottenham. Prosecutors have alleged the incidents occurred during the timeframe Partey spent with Arsenal; the player and his legal team have denied the allegations and have said he will contest the charges in court. Marcelino and Villarreal have said they will select the squad based on sporting considerations.

The case attracted significant attention following the charges and Partey's subsequent move to Villarreal. The club and the player have maintained their respective positions that on-field selection and performance decisions should be based on football matters while the legal process proceeds.