Villarreal manager Marcelino insists Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is “mentally prepared” to face Tottenham Hotspur in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash, just a day before the player is due in court in London.
Partey, 32, will return to north London to meet his former rivals before attending a plea hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday. The ex-Arsenal star denies multiple rape and sexual assault allegations, having been charged in July with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to incidents between April 2021 and June 2022 during his spell with the Gunners.
The midfielder, who joined Villarreal on a free transfer in August, has played in all four of the club’s La Liga matches this season. He remains on conditional bail, requiring him to notify police of international travel and barring contact with the complainants.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Marcelino praised Partey’s focus and professionalism amid the legal proceedings.
“He is with the group. I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game tomorrow night. For sure, he’ll be ready,” said the Villarreal boss.
Marcelino also highlighted the Ghanaian’s importance to the team:
“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… I think he will get back to his top level and I’m very happy he’s with us in the team.”
Partey is expected to start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Villarreal look to begin their European campaign strongly. He will then appear in court on Wednesday for his plea hearing.
