Manchester City’s preparations for the Carabao Cup final have suffered a major setback. The English Football League (EFL) has officially rejected City’s request to allow Marc Guéhi to play in the Wembley showpiece against Arsenal on March 22nd.
Despite intense institutional pressure from the Etihad hierarchy, the EFL stood firm on its regulations. Guéhi, who joined City in a high-profile January move, remains ineligible for the competition due to the “cup-tied” rule, having already represented his former club earlier in the tournament.
No Exceptions for Guardiola
According to reports from The Mirror, Manchester City sought a last-minute relaxation of the rules, arguing that the defender’s availability was crucial for the integrity of the final. However, the organizers made it clear that the regulations will be maintained without exception, leaving no room for a further appeal.
The decision leaves Pep Guardiola with a significant selection headache. Guéhi had quickly established himself as a starter in City’s backline since his arrival, and his absence against an in-form Arsenal attack is a worrying development for the “Cityzens.”
Guardiola’s Frustration
The City manager did not hold back his thoughts on the matter during a recent press conference. Guardiola expressed his incomprehension regarding the rule:
“I don’t understand it. We want the best players on the pitch for the fans and for the spectacle,” Guardiola lamented. “We tried everything, but the EFL’s position is definitive. We have to reorganize and move on without Marc.”
Tactical Reshuffle
With Guéhi sidelined, Guardiola will likely have to rely on the experience of Ruben Dias and John Stones, or potentially shift Nathan Aké back to a central role. While City boasts one of the deepest squads in world football, losing a key January signing for the first major trophy opportunity of 2026 is a bitter pill to swallow.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
