Manchester City are not expected to receive any special consideration from the English Football League (EFL) that would allow Marc Guehi feature in the Carabao Cup final, following Pep Guardiola’s appeal after his side’s semi-final win over Newcastle United.
Manchester City booked their spot in the final with a convincing 5-1 aggregate win over Newcastle United. They won the second leg 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium, adding to their 2-0 lead from the first leg. Guehi did not feature in either semi-final tie due to the competition’s current regulations.
The rule in question, EFL Cup Rule 6.4.2, was implemented ahead of this season to allow a player to represent up to two clubs in the same Carabao Cup campaign, but only if the transfer to the second club is completed before the end of the winter transfer window or the first leg of the semi-final, whichever comes first.
Guehi’s transfer from Crystal Palace was completed on January 19, 2026, six days after City’s first-leg semi-final at St James’ Park on January 13, so he falls outside the eligibility window.
According to Sky Sports, the EFL are set to maintain this rule, leaving the England international unavailable for the Wembley showpiece against Arsenal.
After the Newcastle win, manager Pep Guardiola said City would formally request an exception from the EFL, writing to competition organisers in a bid to overturn the ruling ahead of the final.
However, the report from Sky Sports indicates that the EFL are expected to reject any mid-season amendment, leaving the defender sidelined for the Wembley fixture.
