Last updated on October 4, 2025
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Marc Guiu is being managed carefully.
Image credit: peter not drury ₿
Chelsea snatched a scrappy 1-0 win over Benfica at Stamford Bridge — thanks to a misfortunate own goal from Richard Ríos in the 18th minute.
But while the result will be celebrated, fans couldn’t help but notice one thing: Marc Guiu didn’t feature.
When Chelsea pulled Marc Guiu back from his loan spell at Sunderland, many fans were excited to see the young striker in blue.
After all, he had already shown flashes of promise, and with Chelsea’s ongoing need for reliable attacking options, Guiu seemed like the kind of player who could make an impact.
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Table of Contents
But as matchdays have come and gone, supporters have been asking one question: why isn’t Marc Guiu playing for Chelsea?
The truth isn’t as dramatic as it may seem. Instead, it’s a mix of timing, rules, and some careful squad management from Enzo Maresca.
A Minor Training Issue
Maresca recently confirmed that Guiu “felt something” in training.
Nothing major, but enough for the medical team to recommend a cautious approach.
With Chelsea already struggling with injury concerns in attack, the last thing they want is for Guiu to be sidelined longer-term because of a rushed debut.
So, for now, he’s being managed carefully.
Cup Rules Confusion
Another factor is competition eligibility.
Because Guiu had already played in the EFL Cup for Sunderland, there were doubts over whether he could feature for Chelsea in the same tournament.
New rules actually allow players to represent two different clubs in the EFL Cup, but the regulations aren’t widely known — even some clubs reportedly needed clarification.
Chelsea may have chosen not to risk an administrative headache until things are crystal clear.
The Two-Club Season Rule
There’s also the little-known rule that a player can only officially represent two clubs in one season.
Since Guiu has already played for Sunderland, putting him straight into Chelsea’s matchday squads would effectively lock him into being a Chelsea player for the rest of the season.
That would reduce flexibility if the club later decides another loan spell is better for his development.
Competition for Places
Finally, Chelsea’s attacking department is stacked — João Pedro, Liam Delap, and others are all vying for spots.
At just 18, Guiu might need to wait for his moment.
Maresca seems intent on easing him in, rather than throwing him directly into the spotlight.
The Bigger Picture
So, while fans are itching to see Marc Guiu step onto the pitch for Chelsea, it’s worth remembering that football careers are marathons, not sprints.
The club’s careful approach may be frustrating in the short term, but it’s designed to give Guiu the best chance of thriving in the long run.
