Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey’s court appearance on rape and sexual assault charges has been adjourned to September 15.

The 32-year-old was originally scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2, but the hearing will now take place at Southwark Crown Court.

Partey faces five counts of rape involving two women, as well as one charge of sexual assault against a third woman.

The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal. He was formally charged four days after leaving the London club, when his contract expired at the end of June.

The adjournment has eased concerns over the midfielder’s participation in Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that Partey remains “in the right frame of mind and in top shape,” after naming him in the 24-man squad for the upcoming fixtures against Chad and Mali.

Partey has already linked up with his teammates and was part of the Black Stars contingent that departed Accra on Tuesday afternoon for N’Djamena.

Ghana are set to face Chad on Thursday, September 4, at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno.

The Black Stars currently sit at the top of Group I after six matches as they chase a fifth FIFA World Cup appearance.