Partey Ready To Face Tottenham In The Champions League Before The Rape Case Trial

Thomas Partey is ready for Villarreal in the Champions League opener against Tottenham Hotspur (Instagram/@thomasparty5).

JAKARTA - Villarreal manager Marcelino insists Thomas Partey will be ready to face Tottenham Hotspur despite the former Arsenal midfielder scheduled to appear in court this week on charges of rape and sexual assault.

Partey returned to northern London a month after attending a hearing at the Westminster airing Court on August 5, 2025 - where he was charged with five counts of rape of two women and allegations of sexual assault on a third woman. He is scheduled to attend Old Bailey on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, local time.

The allegations of abuse occurred between 2021 and 2022 when he played for Arsenal. Partey's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, previously said that Partey denied all charges against him and added that he welcomed the opportunity to finally clear his name.

The Ghana international was not asked to file any defense and was then given a conditional guarantee on August 5, 2025 and two days later signed a contract with Villarreal.

The La Liga team was then drawn to travel to Arsenal's rivals in north London, Tottenham. Partey is scheduled to attend Old Bailey the next morning after the Champions League match, forcing Marcelino to discuss the topic at length ahead of the match.

"I'm very sure he's mentally and technically ready to play. What is certain is that he will be ready. We are very happy with Thomas with us because of his football capacity, football capability, and presence as a human being."

"He's a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for many top clubs. We know he has great levels."

"I think he's going back to the highest level. I'm very happy he's with us on the team," Marcelino said.

Marcelino further directed talks about the match against Tottenham, so he looked a little irritated when discussing Partey's case.

"We are interpreting and talking about players who may not be guilty at all. We will play football where the most important thing is football. This is where football was created. Do you understand? Thank you," said the coach again.

Marcelino previously refused to reveal whether Partey would be part of the squad, but after being pressed again at the end of London's intense media session, he regretted the discourse surrounding the 32-year-old.

"He's with the team, he's available. If nothing happens to a player in terms of fitness, he's going to be with all of us."

"We talked more about Thomas than the game," Marcelino said.

Villarreal defender Juan Foyth was also asked about Partey. However, he prefers to see from the side of football considering the midfielder is a former Arsenal player.

"No, I haven't spoken to him yet, but of course he (had_ played at Arsenal. So, his atmosphere will definitely hurt him," said Foyth.