Thomas Partey could face Tottenham despite his looming court appearance for rape and sexual assault.
Villarreal boss Marcelino declared the former Arsenal midfielder is 'mentally and technically' ready for the Champions League showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday.
Partey has made four appearances since joining Villarreal from Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal in the summer
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Partey has made four appearances since joining Villarreal from Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal in the summerCredit: Getty
However, the 32-year-old will be back at the Old Bailey less than 24 hours after the match for a plea hearing on charges of five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 and he denies all charges against him.
Partey, who was released by Arsenal this summer following the expiry of his contract, was last in court on August 5.
He was not asked to enter a plea on that occasion, but was granted conditional bail. Two days later he signed for Villarreal.
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Villarreal are in London to face Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday night and the topic of Partey was brought up, at length, to Marcelino.
"I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow night," Marcelino insisted.
"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 was pressed further about the hostility Partey can expect at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he replied: "We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent.
Partey will appear in court on Wednesday to face the charges
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Partey will appear in court on Wednesday to face the chargesCredit: PA
"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."
Marcelino had already declined to reveal if Partey would be part of the squad, but conceded that he would be part of the group when pressed further.
"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," Marcelino added.
"We are talking more about Thomas than the game."
Villarreal defender Juan Foyth was also quizzed on Partey.
The former Tottenham centre-back said: "No, I haven't spoke with him yet, but of course he played in Arsenal so the atmosphere will be against him, for sure."
Partey is 'mentally and physically' ready to face Tottenham
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Partey is 'mentally and physically' ready to face TottenhamCredit: Getty
What are the charges against Thomas Partey?
The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the Metropolitan Police on July 4 to charge Partey with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault against three women.
All the alleged incidents took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was contracted to Arsenal.
A statement from Partey's lawyer said: "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.
"He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name."
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Has Thomas Partey played for Villarreal?
Partey made his first LaLiga start for the Spanish side in their 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Before playing the 64 minutes at the Wanda Metropolitano, he had been restricted to just three substitute appearances.