UCL: Partey Set to Play Against Tottenham Amid Court Case

Villarreal manager Marcelino has confirmed that midfielder Thomas Partey is “ready” to play in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, just one day before the Ghanaian is scheduled to appear in a London court over assault charges.

According to a report by PUNCH quoting BBC Sports on Tuesday, Partey, 32, was charged last month with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.

Partey denies all charges, with his legal team insisting he is determined to clear his name in court. He was granted conditional bail and, shortly after, signed for Spanish side Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season.

The midfielder is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing, a day after Villarreal’s UCL opener against Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

“I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow,” said Marcelino 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.”

The Villarreal boss further praised Partey’s pedigree:

“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 about possible hostility from Spurs fans, Marcelino insisted his focus was on football:

“We’re interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent. 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 Atlético Madrid in 2020 and made 167 appearances, scoring nine goals. Since joining Villarreal, he has featured four times this season, with one start.