Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey’s ongoing legal case in the United Kingdom has been postponed for a second time, allowing him to remain in London just days before Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League clash with Mohammed Kudus’ Tottenham Hotspur.

Originally scheduled for September 2, the 32-year-old’s court appearance was first moved to September 15, a change that enabled him to feature in Ghana’s 1–0 World Cup qualifying win over Mali. Fresh updates from Spanish outlet El Periódico Mediterráneo now confirm the hearing will instead take place at Southwark Crown Court on September 17 at 16:00 GMT.

The new date means Partey is free to represent Villarreal in their Champions League opener against Spurs, a match carrying a unique Ghanaian subplot as he faces his Black Stars teammate Kudus. Tottenham fans, however, are expected to be hostile given Partey’s strong Arsenal ties from his five seasons in North London.

Partey continues to maintain his innocence as he faces six serious charges—five counts of non-consensual acts and one of sexual assault—and remains on conditional bail following his initial court appearance last month. Since the allegations first emerged in 2022, opposition supporters have occasionally jeered him, but Villarreal president Fernando Roig has urged restraint, insisting:

> “Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction. At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us. A fundamental right like this must be respected.”

On the pitch, Partey has settled quickly in Spain, featuring in all four of Villarreal’s opening La Liga matches and logging 135 minutes, including a reunion clash against former club Atlético Madrid. Speaking to Sporty TV, he admitted he is still adapting to La Liga’s different style but remains optimistic about regaining top form.

Despite off-field pressures, Partey demonstrated commitment to his career and national team duties. He also accepted a 74.5% pay cut from his Arsenal salary of £200,000 a week to complete his summer move to Villarreal.