LONDON — Thomas Partey returned to north London with Villarreal on Tuesday when the Spanish team faces Tottenham in their opening match in the Champions League.
The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder started on the bench just hours before he is due to appear at the Old Bailey in London on Wednesday. In July, he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The alleged offenses, which relate to three women, occurred between 2021-22 when Partey was an Arsenal player.
Partey was granted bail in a court appearance in London on Aug 5. He was signed by Villarreal two days later.
“I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play (Tuesday) night,” Villarreal coach Marcelino said Monday.
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, previously said he “denies all the charges against him” and that he welcomed “the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Police said the investigation was opened in February 2022 when it first received a report of rape.
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