Thomas Partey remains available for Villarreal’s Champions League match against Tottenham despite facing multiple rape charges and a court appearance the following morning.
Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to feature in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Tottenham Hotspur despite facing serious criminal charges in London. The 32-year-old Ghana international, who left Arsenal on a free transfer this summer, is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday morning to answer five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third.
Manager Marcelino confirmed Partey travelled with the squad and may play but refused to reveal his starting lineup. “I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game,” Marcelino said. “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 maintains his innocence. Tottenham winger Manor Solomon, on loan at Villarreal, and former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe are also in the travelling party for the Group Stage opener at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.