Man City lose Dias and Guehi ahead of Carabao Cup final vs Arsenal
Hamstring injury sidelines Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias has been ruled out of the Carabao Cup final after suffering a hamstring injury. The centre‑back was forced off at half‑time in the Champions League loss to Real Madrid and failed to recover in time for Sunday’s showdown. His absence follows a spell of eight missed matches earlier in the year and a precautionary bench role against West Ham.
Marc Guehi ruled ineligible by competition rules
New signing Marc Guehi will also miss the final. The England defender joined Manchester City on 19 January, six days after the first leg of the semi‑final against Newcastle United, making him cup‑tied and therefore ineligible under the Carabao Cup regulations.
Defensive depth under pressure
With Josko Gvardiol still out after a broken leg in January, City’s backline is unusually thin. The loss of senior options forces Pep Guardiola to rely on less‑experienced players and a reshuffled defence in front of goalkeeper James Trafford.
- Ruben Dias – hamstring injury, out.
- Marc Guehi – cup‑tied, ineligible.
- Josko Gvardiol – broken leg, long‑term absentee.
- James Trafford – confirmed starter in goal.
"Dias has been ruled out of City's Carabao Cup final clash against Arsenal after suffering a hamstring injury."
Arsenal poised to capitalize
Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League, view the defensive setbacks as a major boost. Their manager Mikel Arteta will look to exploit a makeshift City defence that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
