Arsenal receive major boost ahead of EFL Cup final

Arsenal’s preparations for next month’s EFL Cup final have been lifted by a timely development that could tilt the balance in their favour at Wembley.

As Mikel Arteta’s side gear up to face Manchester City in the season’s first domestic final, an off-field ruling has handed the Gunners a welcome advantage.

The boost comes from the EFL’s firm stance on player eligibility rules, which will prevent Marc Guehi from featuring for Manchester City in the final on March 22.

The England international completed a move to the Etihad Stadium from Crystal Palace last month, but the timing of his transfer has ruled him out of the showpiece occasion.

Guehi joined City after their semi-final first-leg victory over Newcastle United, making him ineligible under current competition regulations. The decision is particularly significant given City’s recent defensive issues, with Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones all sidelined through injury.

Guardiola’s side had accelerated their pursuit of Guehi precisely to strengthen a stretched backline, but the former Palace defender will now be forced to watch from the stands.

For Arsenal, that absence represents a valuable edge. With City deprived of a key reinforcement at the back, Arteta’s attack will sense an opportunity to capitalise on any defensive instability on the biggest domestic stage.

The situation stands in contrast to Antoine Semenyo’s availability for City. The Ghanaian winger joined the club before the semi-final deadline and went on to play a decisive role, scoring in the first leg against Newcastle.

A rule change ahead of the season allowed Semenyo to remain eligible despite a previous EFL Cup appearance for Bournemouth earlier in the campaign.

Arsenal arrive at the final full of momentum after seeing off Chelsea 4–2 on aggregate, with Kai Havertz’s late strike sealing their place at Wembley.

City, meanwhile, cruised past Newcastle with a dominant 5–1 aggregate win, setting up a heavyweight clash between the Premier League’s top two.

Beyond cup ambitions, both sides remain locked in a fierce league battle. Arsenal currently sit six points clear of City at the summit and could stretch that lead further this weekend when they host Sunderland, while Guardiola’s men face a testing trip to Anfield.

With silverware on the line and City missing a crucial defensive option, Arsenal will view the final as a golden chance to end their trophy drought and lay down a statement of intent for the rest of the season.