Villarreal omit Thomas Partey from Spurs starting XI hours before rape charges hearing

Villarreal left Thomas Partey on the bench for Tuesday night's Champions League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a decision made just hours before the former Arsenal midfielder is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on multiple sexual offence charges.

Partey, 32, who completed a free transfer to Villarreal this summer after leaving Arsenal, is reported to face five counts of rape — two alleged offences against one woman and three against another — and an additional sexual assault allegation relating to a third woman, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed. He has denied all charges and was granted bail after an earlier appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Club manager Marcelino told reporters on Monday that Partey was "mentally prepared" and technically able to play, but the manager confirmed the player would not start against his former club. Marcelino said the club valued Partey for his footballing ability and experience and suggested media attention had focused excessively on the player rather than the match.

"I'm totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game," Marcelino said. "We are really happy that Thomas is with us for his football capacity and ability and his presence as a human. He is a great player with lots of experience." Marcelino added: "We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent. We are playing a game of football where the important thing is football."

Partey's transfer to Villarreal provoked strong reactions from supporters on both sides of his move. Fans launched a petition opposing the signing, and some supporters booed and whistled when he made his debut for the Spanish club in a match against Oviedo. He has since made four appearances for Villarreal.

The hearing at Southwark Crown Court is scheduled for Wednesday morning, following an earlier adjournment of a September 2 hearing at the Old Bailey that was postponed without explanation on the day. The legal process is ongoing, and court listings show Partey is due to answer the charges in person.

Villarreal named a matchday squad that excluded Partey from the starting XI for the trip to north London. The decision came amid heightened scrutiny in the build-up to the Champions League fixture against Tottenham, who last season finished among Europe's elite. The match represents a return to England for Partey, who spent several seasons in the Premier League with Arsenal.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the existence of the additional allegation relating to a third woman and has responsibility for decisions on charges in sexual offence cases. Partey has not been convicted of any offence and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court.

Villarreal have offered limited comment beyond Marcelino's public statements about the player's readiness and the club's reasons for signing him. The Spanish club allowed Partey to complete the move after he was granted bail in the United Kingdom earlier in the summer.

Tottenham's match preparations continued amid the off-field developments. Club officials and coaching staff declined to comment in detail on the legal matter before the fixture, focusing comments on tactical and squad issues ahead of the Champions League meeting.

The case will proceed to a hearing that could determine whether the matter moves to trial. Court procedures and any future legal timetable will be set by the judiciary at Southwark Crown Court. Authorities and legal representatives involved in the case have not provided further public comment beyond court filings and CPS confirmations.