LONDON — Thomas Partey appeared at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to two new allegations of rape. The footballer denied twice raping a woman in London in December 2020, confirming his name and entering two not guilty pleas during the hearing.

Partey was charged in July last year with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, relating to allegations dating back to 2021 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to those previous charges as well.

Judge Tony Baumgartner, Recorder of Westminster, ordered that all allegations be tried together. A trial originally scheduled for November this year may be delayed until January 2027 because of the new allegations. Partey's next court hearing is a pre-trial hearing on 14 May. He remains on bail with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims.

Partey did not attend a previous hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court when the new charges were first before a judge. His lawyer indicated at that earlier hearing that not guilty pleas would be entered. At Wednesday's appearance, Partey wore dark grey trousers, a black jumper over a white shirt, and smart black shoes.

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a deal worth about £45 million. He left Arsenal last June to join Villarreal, where he currently plays. He is expected to play for Ghana at the World Cup this summer.