According to many reports, Marc Guehi will not be able to line up for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final versus Arsenal on March 22. In this case, the EFL made it clear he doesn’t meet eligibility standards. As a result of this,Pep Guardiola loses a key option at the back when trophy hopes face problem along with injury issues in the team.
Manchester City won 5-1 on aggregate against Newcastle United that helped them to reach the final. However, Guehi won’t play at Wembley due to when he moved from Crystal Palace in January. Since, the EFL does not allow players joining after the semi’s opening match. Now, he misses out despite having full paperwork ready. Rules are strict that no appearances allowed past that date, contract or not.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola wants the EFL to change their rules to allow Marc Guehi to play in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal 📋🔄 pic.twitter.com/dplGsaaXbO
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 5, 2026
Why Guehi is unavailable against Arsenal in EFL Cup?
In Transfer Window of January, Guehi moved to Manchester City from Crystal Palace. Signing a deal of a big lengthy contract because of his solid performances in defence in the England’s top league. Still, since he played for Palace during early stages of the Carabao Cup and the transfer happened after City faced Newcastle in the opening leg, rules and regulations now block him from playing under the EFL carabao cup guidelines.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was speaking openly about this issue. In this case, he has raised doubts about how fair the restriction really is. He has been demanding and pushing for a possible shift in this policy. As, Marc Guehi trains with the team daily and part of the club, Pep feels that these rules that do not allow him to participate are not fair. A request from Manchester City to the EFL could happen regarding this issue. However, Guardiola knows chances of this rule getting changed are not big. The Issue may not be sorted and Guehi may miss the match.
Still, after Guardiola pushed for a change, the EFL stood strict on its rules. That is, no special allowance before the final. Even with his request, the policy stays that teams can’t add new signings during the tournament and play them straight away in decisive games. This restriction remains valid for now.
Challenge For City? Impact on EFL Cup Tie?
Now, Without Guehi available for the match versus Arsenal, Guardiola must rethink how he sets up his back line. Instead of sticking to familiar options, fresh names enter the picture due to necessity. Semenyo, already part of the squad and cleared to take part could step into a bigger role when the match starts. Fitness and timing open doors for new and young players.
Arsenal gets a lift because Guehi won’t play. Without him, City lose a top defender who could’ve shut things down. The challenge is big when such a key piece misses out. On match day at Wembley, that gap in City’s back line might show.
Even though Guehi cannot play, Guardiola insists the team holds enough strength to chase trophy this season. With eyes set on both local and european goals.
🇪🇸🗣️ Pep Guardiola wants the EFL to change their rules to allow Marc Guehi to play in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal… 📚🏆
"Hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc Guehi can play the final. I don't understand why he cannot play the final."
"You buy a… pic.twitter.com/KOM9MMnJ2Q
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 6, 2026
Conclusion
Marc Guehi misses the Carabao Cup final because of one simple EFL rule about his move to Manchester City. Even after Guardiola asked for a change, officials held their ground, refusing to change the rules just before the final. At Wembley facing Arsenal, Guehi will watch from far instead of playing. Yet elsewhere, across different tournaments, he still remains key within the squad’s plans.
It Will be Interesting to see what final verdict is given regarding this. What Will be the result of the Cup? Who Will Win? Share your opinion in the comments below.
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