Why Marc Guehi Is Banned from Playing in Carabao Cup Final but Antoine Semenyo Isn't

Marc Guehi has been banned from playing in the Carabao Cup final, despite the fact that Antoine Semenyo is cleared to feature.

On Wednesday night, a dominant Manchester City side booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.

With Arsenal picking up 1-0 win over London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday, taking the aggregate score to 4-2, the two teams at the top of the Premier League table will meet in the final on Sunday, March 22 at Wembley.

Given the fact that City haven't won the Carabao Cup since the 2020/21 season, Pep Guardiola will undoubtedly field the best team available to him in the final.

However, the City boss will have to make do without star defender Guehi as one particular rule means that is banned from featuring in the fixture.

Omar Marmoush scored two goals in the second leg of Man City's Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle United. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

After months of rumours linking him to several Premier League clubs, Semenyo joined City from Bournemouth on January 9 in a deal wroth a reported £65million.

Just four days later, the winger started and scored in City's 2-0 win over Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final in St James' Park.

With the opening leg of the tie out of the way, City's attention then turned to completing a deal for Crystal Palace captain Guehi, who joined the club on January 19 in a deal worth an initial £20m

Like Semenyo, Guehi has enjoyed a fantastic start to life at City, making his debut five days later in the 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But, unfortunately for Guehi, he isn't eligible to play for City in the Carabao Cup final because he did not join the team until after the first leg of the semi-final had already been played.

Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi both joined Manchester City in January. (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Instead, Guardiola will likely have to rely on the centre back pairing of Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias for the final, with Josko Gvardiol and John Stones both out dealing with injuries.

Thankfully for City fans, Semenyo's deal being completed just 10 days earlier means that he will be able to play in the match, and will no doubt start given his recent form.