Guardiola seeks approval to field Guehi in League Cup showdown

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola intends to request approval from the Football League to include Marc Guehi in the League Cup final against Arsenal despite the England defenders ineligibility for the Wembley clash.

Guehi who joined from Crystal Palace during January could only observe from the bench as City secured a 3-1 victory over Newcastle in the semi final return fixture on Wednesday.

Citys 5-1 overall triumph arranged a meeting with Premier League frontrunners Arsenal in the final scheduled for March 22 although Guehi remains barred from participating in the highlight event at present.

In contrast to Antoine Semenyo who also transferred to City in January from Bournemouth Guehi cannot compete in this seasons League Cup since the defender arrived following the initial match against Newcastle.

Guardiola admitted he anticipates little chance of success in their application.

Nevertheless the Spanish coach recognising his squads defensive challenges this term and the danger from Arsenal is determined to advocate for Gues inclusion anyway.

"Why would he be excluded? What is the justification?" Guardiola remarked. "He belongs to our squad we cover his wages we brought him on board.

"We plan to inquire. I instructed the club that we must pursue this without fail. It baffles me why he cannot participate in the League Cup final in March given his extended tenure here.

"Naturally we shall request it as it makes complete sense. Yet altering the regulation is unlikely. Still we will attempt it."

Omar Marmoush shone for City with the Egyptian striker netting the initial pair of goals followed by Tijjani Reijnders contribution before the interval.

Newcastles Anthony Elanga responded in the 62nd minute for the visitors after City eased their intensity.

City return to the League Cup final for the initial occasion since 2021 aiming to claim the trophy for the fifth instance during Guardiolas leadership.

Languishing six points adrift of Premier League pacesetters Arsenal following a 2-2 stalemate at Tottenham the previous weekend Citys advancement to Wembley provided a positive lift for Guardiola.

"I never assume it is assured " Guardiola stated. "I recognise the challenge involved. 

"I am unsure of the exact count of semi finals and finals in the FA Cup but it is impressive and over a decade five League Cup finals that is exceptional outstanding."

Marmoush seized his opportunity to shine versus the Magpies after Erling Haaland was relegated to the substitutes bench owing to a subpar recent spell for the Norwegian forward.

"He brings us unique attributes " Guardiola noted regarding the Egyptian. "His speed his ability to exploit spaces behind and his dedication."

Newcastles status as League Cup champions has concluded after a duo of mistake filled showings across the ties leaving manager Eddie Howe furious.

"Extremely frustrated with the opening half performance " Howe commented. "We take pride in our organisation and tactically we aim to manage any challenge from opponents. 

"In that first period we fell short on an individual level our challenges were poor and it caused us significant difficulties."