Villarreal boss gives Thomas Partey update amid Tottenham Champions League tie and court hearing

Thomas Partey could play for Villarreal in the Champions League against Tottenham on Tuesday evening despite an appearance the following day at Southwark Crown Court to answer rape charges.

The Spanish club signed Partey as a free agent after his contract at Arsenal expired this past summer. He has made four competitive appearances for his new club with a total of 139 minutes played in La Liga.

He also played 90 minutes for Ghana in their 1-0 World Cup qualification win over Mali during the September international break.

Partey, 32, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022, the Metropolitan Police said.

Partey was granted bail in August after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court just a few days before joining Villarreal.

His next hearing after that was scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 2 at the Old Bailey but was adjourned. He is now set for a return to north London tonight as Villarreal face Spurs in their first Champions League clash of the new campaign at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play,” Villarreal boss Marcelino Garcia Toral said at his Monday press conference when discussing Partey.

“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 frequently asked Partey questions by the English media which prompted him to say, “we are talking more about Thomas than the game”.

“We’re interpreting stuff and talking about a player that could be totally innocent,” he later added. “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.”

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