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Partey has made four appearances for Villarreal this season Thomas Partey is "ready" to face Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday, a day before he is set to appear in court on rape and sexual assault charges, says Villarreal manager Marcelino. Ghana midfielder Partey, 32, was charged last month with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for Arsenal. Partey denies the charges with his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire adding he "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name". He was granted conditional bail and two days later signed for Spanish side Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season. Partey will appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing a day after his side's Champions League opener against Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham. "I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow, " said Marcelino on Monday. "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. " When Marcelino was asked if he had spoken to Partey about the hostility he could face from Tottenham fans, the Spaniard said he was focusing on the football. "We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent, " said Marcelino. "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. " Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and played 167 times for the club, scoring nine goals. He has played four times for Villarreal this season, making one start. Champions League: Spurs & Arsenal in action; Liverpool training; Mc Nulty Q&A Who will win Champions League? BBC Sport experts make predictions World Athletics: Kipyegon storms to fourth 1500m gold Revealing the secrets of our species The photo that exposed a scandalous fake injury The gang who stole over £50 million from taxpayers Ian Wright remembers an inspirational teacher Who will win Champions League? BBC Sport experts make predictions Lawyers, losses and lie detectors - inside Mudryk doping case Vegas nights with 'Rocky' Hatton's Mancunian army Cramp cocktails and apps - how rugby tracks 'fifth vital sign' Back yard to brilliant - the making of Duplantis, and how high can he go? 'What a legend! ' Duplantis clears 6. 30m to break world record. Video'What a legend! ' Duplantis clears 6. 30m to break world record 'Have you ever seen anything like that? ' Simbu wins marathon by 0. 03 seconds. Video'Have you ever seen anything like that? ' Simbu wins marathon by 0. 03 seconds Quality not there - Scholes criticises Man Utd policy 'There is, and always will be, only one Ricky Hatton' Where the Manchester derby was won and lost - tactical analysis 'Hull overcomes internal noise as Donald turns up volume for Ryder Cup' The World Cup's final four - and how England can beat them The world of boxing remembers legend Hatton. Video The world of boxing remembers legend Hatton Seville storms to 100m gold as Bolt cheers him on. Video Seville storms to 100m gold as Bolt cheers him on 'Forget Fergie time - now it's Arne Time' 'Crawford conquers Canelo to become the face of boxing' 'I can't change people's opinions of me' - Fernandes in his own words Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.