Pep Guardiola wants Marc Guehi allowed to play in League Cup final

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will ask the English Football League for permission to play Marc Guehi in the League Cup final against Arsenal, even though the defender is currently not eligible.

Guehi joined City from Crystal Palace in January but was not allowed to play in the semi-final win over Newcastle.



Guehi cannot play in the League Cup this season because he joined the club after the first leg of the semi-final.

Another January signing, Antoine Semenyo, is eligible, as he was registered earlier in the competition.

Guardiola, aware of his team’s defensive problems this season and Arsenal’s threat, plans to ask for Guehi’s inclusion.

"Why should he not play? Why not?" Guardiola said. "He's our player, we pay his salary, we hired him.

"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 League 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."

City scored three first-half goals against Newcastle. Omar Marmoush scored twice, and Tijjani Reijnders added a third before the break.

City reached the League Cup final for the first time since 2021 and will aim to win the competition for the fifth time under Guardiola.

The win came shortly after City dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the Premier League and now trail Arsenal by six points.

"I do not take it for granted," Guardiola said. "I know how difficult it is.

"I don't know how many semi-finals and finals we have played in the FA Cup but it's really good, and in 10 years five League Cup finals so it's really good: top, top, top."

Marmoush started the match ahead of Erling Haaland and took his chance with two goals. Guardiola praised his pace and effort.

"He gives us a special quality," Guardiola said of the Egyptian. "His pace, his moments in behind, and his work ethic."

City beat Newcastle 3-1 in the second leg on Wednesday to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory and reach the final, which will be played at Wembley on March 22.



Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.