Arsenal face Premier League title rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup final on March 22
Ryan Taylor
10:27, 09 Feb 2026
Pep Guardiola
View 2 Images
Pep Guardiola won't be able to call upon Marc Guehi for next month's League Cup final against Arsenal
Manchester City's dramatic Anfield fightback might have come as a blow for Arsenal in the Premier League title race - but it also highlighted one major advantage that should work in their favour for the Carabao Cup final.
Last week, Pep Guardiola claimed Man City were prepared to write to the EFL to request a rule change that would have potentially allowed Marc Guehi to play at Wembley.
It was always a long shot. As per rules that were introduced ahead of the current season, a player can play for two clubs in the Carabao Cup this term - providing they signed for their new team before the first leg of the semi-final.
In City's case, Antoine Semenyo has been able to feature in the competition but Guehi remains ineligible and the EFL have already confirmed that he won't be allowed to play at Wembley next month.
That is of course great news for Arsenal because the England international was exceptional against Liverpool, the club he almost signed for last summer, on Sunday.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
He was perhaps fortunate to avoid a red card for a second-half tug on Mohamed Salah but outside of that he was so strong and assured in his defensive duties.
Hugo Ekitike had a tough time up against Guehi, who already looks a shoo-in at the heart of Pep Guardiola's defence following the completion of his initial £20million transfer to the Etihad Stadium.
The former Crystal Palace captain made a crucial block on 85 minutes to prevent Curtis Jones from threading Mohamed Salah in behind City's backline.
Furthermore, he made seven clearances - five of which were headers - made two interceptions, three recoveries and was not dribbled past once.
His display amid boos provided further evidence that Liverpool really did miss a trick in failing to sign him.
Marc Guehi
View 2 Images
Marc Guehi excelled for Man City in their victory at Liverpool
While the Reds were powerless last summer when Steve Parish pulled the plug on a deal - they could have explored a transfer this winter but ultimately decided to stick to their guns.
Arsenal were very much keen on signing Guehi as a free agent at the end of the season but City made a big financial commitment - both in the transfer fee and wages - to finalise the arrival of the centre-back.
While Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined through injury, Ruben Dias is now back following a hamstring issue.
Article continues below
The Croatian suffered a broken leg against Chelsea earlier this year and his return date remains unknown, though it seems unlikely he'll be fit to face Arsenal at this stage.
Guehi will be eligible, of course, to play against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League in mid-April.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts