JAKARTA - Manchester City will ask the English Football League (EFL) for special permission to play Marc Guehi in the Carabao Cup final.
The Citizens secured their place at Wembley against Arsenal in March 2026 with a 5-1 aggregate win over Newcastle United on Thursday, February 5, 2026, early morning WIB.
Guehi is ineligible to face Eddie Howe's side. Afterwards Guardiola said it was difficult to understand the rules which would also prevent the 25-year-old from appearing in the final as he was not registered before the first leg of the semi-final.
Antoine Semenyo, also signed in January 2026, will qualify as he joins from Bournemouth ahead of the first leg of the semi-final at St James' Park on January 13, 2026.
"Hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup (EFL) that Marc can play in the final. I don't understand why he can't play in the final. Hopefully we can make a letter."
"You buy a player for a lot of money and he can't play because of rules that I don't understand. Hopefully they can change it. It's hard to understand," Guardiola said as reported by ESPN.
While Semenyo could play in both legs against Newcastle, Guehi is not eligible for the second leg despite having played two Premier League games for his new club after moving from Crystal Palace.
Guardiola admitted he did not expect the England defender to be allowed to play against Arsenal on March 22, 2026, but he has asked Manchester City bosses to try.
"I said to the club, they have to ask, for sure. Marc can't play in the second leg because he didn't play in the first leg."
"Antoine arrived before the first leg so he could play. Now it's the final. Why shouldn't he play? Why not? We pay his salary, he's our player," said Guardiola.
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