Partey 'Mentally Prepared' to Face Tottenham Before Court Hearing, Says Villarreal Manager
- Villarreal manager Marcelino says Thomas Partey is ready to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Tuesday
- The former Arsenal midfielder's court hearing in the United Kingdom has been adjourned once more
- The fresh date means Partey will stay back in London after Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League clash against Mohammed Kudus’ Tottenham
Villarreal boss Marcelino has declared that Thomas Partey is “mentally prepared” to face Tottenham Hotspur in Tuesday’s Champions League opener.
The Ghanaian midfielder is set to feature in North London just 24 hours before appearing at Southwark Crown Court over multiple non-consensual act charges, which he strongly denies.
Source: Getty Images
Partey will come up against his old rivals after leaving Arsenal, adding extra intrigue to the clash.
Tottenham return to Europe’s elite competition after lifting the Europa League last season, as reported by Sports Mole.
Villarreal, meanwhile, earned their place by finishing fifth in La Liga and will be aiming to start their campaign on a high.
Partey was charged with five counts of non-consensual activity and one count of sexual assault, linked to alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the charges on July 4, revealing the outcome of a three-year investigation led by the Metropolitan Police.
The midfielder moved to Villarreal on a free transfer in August and has since played in all four of their La Liga fixtures this season.
As reported by Spanish Publication El Periodico Mediterraneo, the 32-year-old will attend a plea hearing in London on Wednesday, following Villarreal’s Champions League clash with Tottenham.
Partey 'mentally prepared' to face Tottenham
Addressing the situation on Monday, Marcelino expressed confidence in Partey’s readiness to deliver against Spurs:
“He (Partey) 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.
He added: “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 which we all know that he’s got and I’m very happy he’s with us in the team.”
The five non-consensual act charges stem from alleged incidents between April 2021 and June 2022, during Partey’s spell at Arsenal.
Partey has consistently maintained his innocence and is currently on conditional bail following his initial court appearance last month.
Opposition fans have occasionally jeered the Ghana midfielder since the allegations emerged in 2022, though the case is still ongoing.
Source: Getty Images
The sexual assault charge relates to a separate incident alleged to have occurred in February 2022.
Under his bail conditions, Partey must notify police of any international travel and is barred from contacting the complainants.
Villarreal fans' president criticises Partey signing
In an earlier report by YEN.com.gh, Villarreal fans’ president Borja Pena openly criticised the club's intention to sign Thomas Partey.
Speaking on behalf of the Madrid-based supporters’ group, Pena argued that Partey’s footballing ability does not excuse the serious legal issues surrounding him.
Source: YEN.com.gh
