Marc Guehi will not be allowed to play in the Carabao Cup final for Manchester City, the Press Association understands.
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 in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
However, PA understands there will be no change in the rule by the EFL to enable Guehi to play.
The England defender completed 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 more than one club in the competition, but only if signed before the end of the winter transfer window or the first leg of the semi, whichever is sooner.
That rule was itself new for this season, and meant Antoine Semenyo was able to play – and score – for City in the first leg at St James’ Park after signing from Bournemouth.
Max Alleyne – who featured in the competition on loan for Watford earlier in the season before being recalled by City – was also able to 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…
“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 Carabao 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.”
