Manchester City’s defender Benjamin Mendy's trial has been set to start in early January, 2022, a British court stated on Friday, September 10.
Mendy faces charges on four counts of rape, which are alleged to have taken place in October 2020 and one sexual assault which is claimed to have occurred in August of this year.
The 27-year-old former French international appeared at Chester Crown Court in northwest England alongside co-accused Louis Saha Matturie and was told a trial date was set for January 24, 2022.
Matturie, who was charged in connection with allegations of sexual assault, broke down in tears as he was led back into custody.
While Mendy showed little emotion as the prosecution and defence lawyers agreed dates for the case in a hearing lasting just under an hour.
The judge also stated that the trial is expected to last two to three weeks.
“I expect your trial to last two and a half weeks, and both of you will be required to attend that case in person. Meanwhile, you both remain in custody,” stated Judge Everett.
Mendy, who has just under two years left to run on a six-year contract, has been suspended by the Premier League champions pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
The defender also won the World Cup in 2018 after one appearance for 40 minutes off the bench against Denmark.