Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City - Premier League
Pep Guardiola is desperate for March Guehi to play in the Carabao Cup final (Picture: Getty)
Marc Guehi will not be allowed to play in the Carabao Cup final for Manchester City.
City manager Pep Guardiola said the club would seek permission for him to feature at Wembley on March 22 after they booked their final place by completing a 5-1 aggregate win over Newcastle in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
However, it is understood there will be no change in the rule by the EFL to enable Guehi to play.
The England defender completed his move to City from Crystal Palace on January 19, six days after the semi-final first leg. Rule 6.4.2 allows players to play for more than one club in the competition, but only if signed before the end of the winter transfer window or the first leg of the semi, whichever is sooner.
That rule was itself new for this season, and meant Antoine Semenyo was able to play – and score – for City in the first leg at St James’ Park after signing from Bournemouth.
Max Alleyne – who featured in the competition on loan for Watford earlier in the season before being recalled by City – was also able to play.
Guardiola said on Wednesday regarding Guehi: ‘Why should he not play? Why not? He’s our player, we pay his salary, we hired him…
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‘We want to ask. I said to the club we have to ask definitely. I don’t understand the reason why he cannot play in the final of the Carabao Cup in March when he has been here a long time…
‘Of course we are going to ask because it’s pure logic. (But) to change the rule, no way. But we will try.’
Tijjani Reijnders, meanwhile, believes Manchester City’s margin for error has gone as they prepare for Sunday’s trip to Liverpool.
City trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by six points and, after dropping points in five of their last six games, know they can no longer afford mistakes.
Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Marc Guehi joined Man City from Crystal Palace in January (Picture: Getty)
They will at least travel in good spirits after securing their place in the Carabao Cup final by completing a 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle on Wednesday.
Guardiola’s side will come up against a Liverpool outfit who, despite a disappointing title defence, are firmly in contention for Champions League qualification.
Midfielder Reijnders said: ‘For sure it will be a big match and we have to be ready and show what we can do. We can’t afford any more slip-ups. We want to win every game and this game won’t be different for us.’
Manchester City v Newcastle United - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Tijjani Reijnders scored against Newcastle and now his sights set on Liverpool (Picture: Getty)
City eased past Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, winning the second leg 3-1 with two goals from Omar Marmoush and one from the impressive Reijnders.
All three goals came in the first half and, although Anthony Elanga pulled one back as City again slackened off after the break, they had done more than enough on this occasion.
They will now face title rivals Arsenal in the final at Wembley next month.
Reijnders said: ‘It’s a step closer to the trophy and we are very hungry. It would be nice for me, personally, to win my first trophy here at Manchester City. It’s amazing.’
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