Arsenal Handed EFL Cup Final Boost as Man City Star Marc Guehi Ruled Out of Wembley Clash
Ben McAleer
Arsenal have received a boost for their EFL Cup final showdown with Manchester City next month.
The Gunners booked their trip to Wembley as they beat rivals Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate on Tuesday night, with Kai Havertz’s late midweek goal wrapping up the victory.
City, meanwhile, eased to the final as they beat Newcastle 5-1 on aggregate to set up a meeting with the north London side for the first piece of domestic silverware of the season.
Guehi absence explained
And Arsenal will be buoyed by the EFL’s decision to remain steadfast surrounding a rule that will prevent Marc Guehi from turning out for the Cityzens.
Guehi moved to the Etihad Stadium last month, joining from Crystal Palace to bolster their backline.
City boss Pep Guardiola has lost Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones to injury recently, and the absence of the trio saw the Manchester side accelerate their interest in the England international.
However, having signed for City after their semi-final first leg win over Newcastle, Guehi is now ineligible for the clash at Wembley on March 22nd
Semenyo joined before semi-final deadline
Antoine Semenyo also moved to City last month but arrived ahead of their game at St. James’ Park.
The Ghana international went on to score the opener in the 2-0 win over the Magpies.
The rules were changed ahead of the season that meant Semenyo was able to play for City as he joined ahead of the semi-final.
Previously, players were only permitted to feature for one club throughout the duration of the tournament.
Semenyo had made one EFL Cup appearance prior to his move to City in January, featuring off the bench in Bournemouth’s 2-0 loss to Brentford back in August.
Guehi’s absence, though, will be a boost for Arsenal as they seek to secure their first major piece of silverware since their 2020 FA Cup win.
Arsenal looking to go nine points clear
Arsenal currently sit six points clear of title rivals City at the top of the Premier League heading into the weekend’s action.
Mikel Arteta’s men welcome Sunderland to the Emirates on Saturday afternoon, while City travel to Anfield to take on defending Premier League champions on Sunday.
