Thomas Partey is "ready" to face Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday, a day before he is set to appear in court on rape and sexual assault charges, says Villarreal manager Marcelino.
Ghana midfielder Partey, 32, was charged last month with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for Arsenal.
Partey denies the charges with his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire adding he "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name".
He was granted conditional bail and two days later signed for Spanish side Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season.
Partey will appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing a day after his side's Champions League opener against Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham.