Marc Guehi ruled out of Carabao Cup final for Manchester City
Marc Guehi will not be allowed to play in the Carabao Cup final for Manchester City, reports BritPanorama.
City manager Pep Guardiola had sought permission for Guehi to feature at Wembley on March 22 after the team secured their final place with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle in the semi-final on Wednesday night. However, it is now understood that the English Football League (EFL) will not amend the rules to allow him to participate.
The regulations specify that a player can represent two different clubs in the same competition season only under strict timing conditions. According to Rule 6.4.2, players must have signed before the end of the winter transfer window or prior to the first leg of the semi-final, whichever comes first. Since Guehi joined Manchester City from Crystal Palace on January 19, six days after the first leg of the semi-final, he remains ineligible.
Meanwhile, Antone Semenyo will be eligible to play as he signed from Bournemouth earlier in January, prior to the semi-final’s first leg. Additionally, Max Alleyne, who had participated in the competition on loan for Watford earlier in the season before being recalled by City, is also eligible.
Guardiola expressed his disappointment, stating, “Why should he not play? Why not? He’s our player, we pay his salary, we hired him… Of course we are going to ask because it’s pure logic. (But) to change the rule, no way. But we will try.” City, now prepared to face Arsenal at Wembley, are keen to solidify their standing as top contenders in the Premier League.
The absence of Guehi, acquired for an initial fee of £20 million amid a defensive injury crisis at the club, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Manchester City. The 25-year-old England international has made two Premier League appearances since his transfer and has quickly become a pivotal figure under Guardiola, particularly as both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias face season-ending injuries.
Guardiola remarked on the consistency of their success at Wembley, noting, “I do not take it for granted. I know how difficult it is. I don’t know how many semi-finals and finals we have played in the FA Cup but it’s really good, and in 10 years five Carabao Cup finals so it’s really good: top, top, top.”
Manchester City have maintained a habit of reaching Wembley for at least one match each season since 2010-11, a testament to their sustained success in recent years. With the stakes high, all eyes will be on how they adapt without Guehi as they prepare for a pivotal clash against Arsenal.
