Villarreal’s Thomas Partey Faces Tottenham Test Hours Before Court Hearing

‎Thomas Partey is due to attend Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday morning to answer rape charges, as his new club, Villarreal, begins their Champions League campaign against Tottenham on Tuesday night.

‎The situation is highly unusual: Partey, who spent five years with Arsenal before moving to Villarreal in August on a free transfer, is set to face a strong reception at Spurs’ stadium.

‎The Villarreal manager, Marcelino, declined to say whether Partey would feature, though he confirmed that Partey remains part of the squad in London. Marcelino added that, if selected, Partey should be able to handle the match.

‎Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with the allegations relating to three women and events said to have occurred 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, 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 a 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 onto 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.

‎“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.”