Is it possible for Chelsea to unexpectedly play for two teams in the same league?

Chelsea got unexpected positive news when the new Carabao Cup regulation permits Marc Guiu to participate even though he has played for Sunderland earlier this season.

The 2025/26 Carabao Cup season features a significant rule change, benefiting Chelsea among others. The 19-year-old striker Marc Guiu, who previously played for Sunderland earlier this season, remains eligible to compete for The Blues in this tournament.

Normally, a player is only allowed to represent one club in domestic cup competitions per season. If they have played for another team, they become 'cup-tied,' losing the right to play for a new club in the same cup. However, this rule has been adjusted starting this season.

Speaking to the British media, the EFL (English Football League) confirmed that players can represent two different clubs in the same Carabao Cup season if the transfer or club change happens within the same transfer window. This explains why Guiu is eligible to play for Chelsea.

Previously, the Spanish striker joined Sunderland on loan during the summer and played a total of 4 matches. Notably, one of these was a Carabao Cup second-round game against Huddersfield, where Guiu even scored a goal. Sunderland eventually lost on penalties, and under the old rule, Guiu would have been ineligible to continue in the competition.

In fact, Chelsea initially believed Guiu had lost his eligibility. However, they contacted the EFL directly for clarification and received confirmation that the 19-year-old can still compete for his new club.

The current Carabao Cup rules specify that if a player has appeared for their original club before the summer transfer window closes and then transfers to another club within the same window, they are allowed to play for the second club. Guiu’s case fully meets these criteria.

This is great news for coach Enzo Maresca, especially as Chelsea faces challenges in their attacking lineup. Nicolas Jackson has gone out on loan, Liam Delap is injured, Joao Pedro has been playing almost nonstop since the start of the season, and Tyrique George has only been used as a substitute.

Although Guiu was not listed for the match against Lincoln City in the third round, he is now ready to be registered for upcoming games. His return promises to provide Chelsea with more attacking options and ease the burden on key players over the long haul.

In the recent match against Lincoln, The Blues even faced tense moments after Rob Street scored before halftime. However, goals from Tyrique George and Facundo Buonanotte helped Chelsea come from behind and secure a place in the Carabao Cup round of 16.