Thomas Partey is available to play for Villarreal against Tottenham on Tuesday night, just hours before he is due in court to face rape and sexual assault charges.
The 32-year-old left Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal over the summer at the end of his contract after five years at the club.
He joined Villarreal on a free transfer two days after he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, charged with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third.
The Ghana international was granted bail and is due to appear at Southwark crown court on Wednesday morning to answer the charges.
Incredibly, that will be just a matter of hours after he could appear against Spurs for his new club in a Champions League group stage match in north London, which kicks off at 8pm.
Villarreal boss Marcelino has not confirmed whether he will pick Partey on Tuesday night, but he says it is an option and the midfielder is ready to face a fiery reception in the clash with Spurs.
‘I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow night,’ Marcelino said of Partey.
‘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.
‘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.
‘I think he will get back to a top level. I am very happy he is with us in the team.’
Marcelino seemed frustrated with the questioning on Partey’s availability amid the ongoing legal case, saying: ‘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.’
He added: ‘He is with the group, he is available and tomorrow if nothing happens to a player in terms of fitness, he will be with all of us.
‘We are talking more about Thomas than the game.’
The charges relate to alleged offences which took place between 2021 and 2022 when Partey was an Arsenal player.
Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire has previously stated that her client ‘denies all the charges against him’ and welcomes ‘the opportunity to finally clear his name’.
The midfielder has already played four times in La Liga for Villarreal since his summer switch, although just once appeared in the starting XI.
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