Marc Guehi is not going to be allowed to play within 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 within the semi-final on Wednesday night.
Nonetheless, it is known there might be no change within the rule by the EFL to enable Guehi to play.
The England defender accomplished 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 a couple of club within the competition, but provided that signed before the top of the winter transfer window or the primary leg of the semi, whichever is sooner.
That rule was itself latest for this season, and meant Antoine Semenyo was capable of play – and rating – for City in the primary leg at St James’ Park after signing from Bournemouth.
Max Alleyne – who featured within the competition on loan for Watford earlier within the season before being recalled by City – was also capable of 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 would like to ask. I said to the club we have now to ask definitely. I don’t understand the explanation why he cannot play in the ultimate of the Carabao Cup in March when he has been here an extended time…
‘After all we’re going to ask since it’s pure logic. (But) to alter the rule, no way. But we are going to 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’ll now not afford mistakes.
They are going to a minimum of travel in good spirits after securing their place within 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: ‘Of course it’ll be an enormous match and we have now to be ready and show what we will do. We are able to’t afford any more slip-ups. We would like to win every game and this game won’t be different for us.’
City eased past Newcastle on the Etihad Stadium, winning the second leg 3-1 with two goals from Omar Marmoush and one from the impressive Reijnders.
All three goals got here in the primary half and, although Anthony Elanga pulled one back as City again slackened off after the break, that they had done good enough on this occasion.
They are going to now face title rivals Arsenal in the ultimate at Wembley next month.
Reijnders said: ‘It’s a step closer to the trophy and we’re very hungry. It could be nice for me, personally, to win my first trophy here at Manchester City. It’s amazing.’
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