Marc Guiu was recalled from his loan at Sunderland after Liam Delap’s injury, yet he still hasn’t got playing minutes with Chelsea. Why is Enzo Maresca being so cautious? The answer lies in a lesser-known rule — and a mix of timing, caution, and planning.
The Rule-You Can Only Play for Two Clubs in One Season: Marc Guiu
One key factor is a FIFA / EFL regulation: a player in many competitions can appear for at most two different clubs in a single season. Guiu already made appearances for Sunderland — in the Premier League and the EFL Cup — before being recalled by Chelsea.
If he plays for Chelsea now, he would reach his “two clubs this season” limit. That would stop him from going out on loan again in January. Some reports suggest Chelsea and Maresca want to keep that loan option open (if Delap returns or they want to give Guiu more time elsewhere).
The Cup Rule Has Changed — But Chelsea Was Late to Learn It
Another wrinkle: under old rules, once a player appeared in a cup competition for one club, he couldn’t play again in that same cup for another club that season. That would have blocked Guiu’s eligibility for Chelsea’s EFL Cup run.
However, the rules have been updated. The new Rule 6.4 allows a player to feature for two clubs in the same competition, under certain conditions — essentially if they appeared for their parent club before the summer window closed and then moved.
Chelsea reportedly realized this change only shortly before a cup tie. But even after the update, Maresca kept Guiu out of the lineup — likely because of other concerns (fitness, rotation, or risk).
Fitness, Timing, and Trust Also Matter
Beyond rules, there’s the human side. When Guiu was recalled mid-season, he was adjusting physically. Maresca publicly said Guiu “felt something” in training, albeit minor, and they avoided risk. In press conferences, Maresca has also praised how Guiu is working harder in training lately and said he expects to give him minutes soon.
Also, Maresca seems to prefer more experienced options (Joao Pedro, Tyrique George) in high-pressure matches. He may want to reserve Guiu for opportunities when matches are less critical.
Author’s Insight
It’s not just about talent. A mix of rules, timing, fitness caution, and long-term planning seems to be holding Guiu back — at least for now. As the season progresses, and as injuries or rotation needs grow, we may see him get more action.
