Manchester City will be without their major January defensive signing Marc Guehi for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi final decider against Newcastle, despite a controversial rule change that has already benefited Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Blue hold a 2-0 lead heading into the second leg at the Etihad, thanks in part to goals from £62.5 million January arrival Antoine Semenyo, a player who was only eligible due to a recent amendment allowing stars to represent two different clubs in the same competition.
However, that loophole has a cut off. The rule states a player must be registered for the second club before the first leg of the semi final. Because Guehi’s £20 million move from Crystal Palace was completed after the initial match at St. James’ Park, the England defender is ineligible for the return fixture and would also miss the final should City progress.
It’s a minor setback for Guardiola, who will still be able to call upon fellow winter recruits Semenyo and goalkeeper Max Alleyne whose eligibility sparked pre match grumbling from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe last month.
In more positive news, young midfielder Sverre Nypan is available after being recalled from a loan spell at Middlesbrough where he saw limited action. While a start is unlikely, he adds to Guardiola’s options in a competition City once dominated, winning four consecutive titles between 2018 and 2021.
For Newcastle, the Guehi ruling is a small consolation in a tie where the new regulations have already hurt them. For City, it’s a reminder that even their savvy squad planning has its limits under the fine print.
