Thomas Partey’s court appearance on alleged rape and sexual assault charges has been adjourned to September 15.
The 32-year-old was initially scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2, but the hearing has been rescheduled and will now take place at Southwark Crown Court.
He has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for north London club Arsenal.
He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June.
However, the adjournment clears any doubt over Partey’s involvement in Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Ghana FA has described the midfielder as “in the right frame of mind and in top shape” after naming him in the 24-man squad for the upcoming matches against Chad and Mali.
Partey has already joined the Black Stars squad as they depart Ghana for N’Djamena on Tuesday afternoon.
Ghana face Chad on Thursday September 4 at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.
The Black Stars currently lead Group I after six matches as they push for a fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.