Villarreal head coach Marcelino says Thomas Partey is “mentally and technically prepared” to face Tottenham Hotspur in Tuesday night’s Champions League opener—despite the Ghanaian midfielder’s looming court date the following morning in London.

Partey, 32, who joined Villarreal on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal in the summer, is due at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday. He stands trial on five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third.

Yet Marcelino remains focused on football. Speaking at his pre-match press conference in north London, the Spanish manager praised Partey’s experience and quality, while stressing the need to respect the legal process.

> “I’m totally convinced he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game,” Marcelino said. “We’re interpreting and talking about a player who could be totally innocent. The important thing tomorrow is football.”

The coach confirmed that Partey had travelled with the squad but declined to reveal whether he will start, noting that his team typically learns the line-up only once inside the dressing room.

Villarreal’s travelling party also includes Tottenham loanee Manor Solomon, former Spurs defender Juan Foyth, and ex-Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, adding extra intrigue to the encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.