Thomas Partey has been announced on Villarreal's bench to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League tonight, just hours before he is due to appear at court in London.
The Ghana international is scheduled to attend a plea hearing at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old is charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman in July - all of which he has denied.
Partey left Spurs' arch rivals Arsenal this summer, just four days before he was charged, joining Spanish side Villarreal in August.
Thomas Partey has been announced in Villarreal's starting line-up to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League tonight, just hours before he is due at court in London
| PAPartey’s lawyer said that the player "denies all the charges against him," adding that he would welcome "the opportunity to finally clear his name".
Villarreal boss, Marcelino, claimed ahead of the game that Partey was "mentally prepared" for the Champions League clash against his former local rivals, despite the court appearance looming over him.
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Villarreal boss Marcelino said that he is 'totally convinced' that Thomas Partey is 'mentally-prepared' for the Spurs clash
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"I’m totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game [Tuesday] night," he said.
"For sure, he’ll be ready. He’s a great player with lots of experience. He’s played in some top sides. We know he’s got a great ability and great level."
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When pressed about the upcoming court case and Partey's Arsenal connections, Marcelino preferred to maintain focus on sporting matters.
"We're playing a game of football tomorrow, where the important thing is football. This is where football was invented, after all," he said.
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Since joining Villarreal this summer, the midfielder has featured in all four La Liga matches for his new club
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"He’s with the group. He’s available and then, if nothing happens to the player in terms of fitness, he will be with all of us tomorrow. We’re talking more about Thomas than the game."
Since joining Villarreal this summer, the midfielder has featured in all four La Liga matches for his new club. His arrival initially sparked demonstrations from supporters.
Villarreal have maintained their stance on the legal proceedings, stating: "The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case."
Partey made 167 appearances during his five-year spell at the Emirates.
He initially joined the club in 2020 for a fee of £45million, becoming the most expensive Ghanaian footballer in history.