The Guardian reported that Thomas is expected to attend criminal court on Wednesday morning to respond to rape charges. Before he appeared in court, his new boss Villarreal will challenge Tottenham away in the middle of the week to start the Champions League journey.

This special situation puts Thomas in the focus of public opinion. The former Arsenal player who joined Villarreal as a free agent in August is destined to face a fierce reaction at Tottenham Hotspur's home court. Villarreal coach Marcellino avoided the question of whether to send Thomas to the field, but insisted that if selected for the lineup, Thomas would be able to handle the game.

Thomas, 32, faces five rape charges and one sexual assault charge involving multiple incidents reported by three women between 2021 and 2022.

Marcellino said: "I fully believe that he is ready for the game psychologically and technically, and he must be ready. We readily accept Thomas' football ability, skills and human charm. He is an outstanding player with rich experience, has played for many top clubs, and has excellent abilities and standards."

"I think he performed well at the end of last season and at the beginning of this season, and adapted very well in the pre-season preparation stage. I believe he can return to the best we know, and I'm glad he can fight alongside us."

At the pre-match press conference, Marcellino was repeatedly asked about Thomas by British reporters, and once lamented that he had even discussed Thomas for more time than the game itself. He tried to guide the topic back to the field of football: "What we are interpreting and discussing may be a completely innocent player. What matters tomorrow is football games. After all, England is the birthplace of football."

"Thomas is training with the team and is qualified to play. As long as the player's physical condition allows, he will fight with the whole team tomorrow."