Villarreal boss Marcelino is confident that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is fully ready for his team’s UEFA Champions League opener on Tuesday night.
The Spanish club head to London to face Tottenham Hotspur in their first group-stage fixture, marking Partey’s return to English football since leaving Arsenal.
The 32-year-old is due back at the Old Bailey shortly after the match for a plea hearing on charges of rape and sexual assault. Nevertheless, Marcelino maintains that the player is in excellent shape ahead of the clash.
“I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play,” Marcelino stated. “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.”
Partey, a key figure for Ghana’s Black Stars, parted ways with Arsenal at the end of last season when his contract expired. Kick-off between Tottenham and Villarreal is set for 19:00 GMT at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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