Bernardo Silva eligibility for Carabao Cup Final after Real Madrid red card | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva remains eligible for Sunday’s showdown at Wembley, in what will be a massive boost to a Manchester City side reeling from European disappointment.

The Portuguese international and Manchester City club captain was dismissed in the 22nd minute of Tuesday night’s 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium for a handball on the goal line.

While the incident effectively ended City’s Champions League hopes for another season – ultimately resulting in a 1-5 aggregate exit to the Spanish giants – Bernardo Silva’s suspension does not carry over to domestic competitions.

Chasing a 3-0 first-leg deficit from the Bernabeu, Pep Guardiola’s side started the midweek clash with immense intensity before Bernardo Silva instinctively blocked a goal-bound Vinícius Júnior effort with his arm.

After a lengthy VAR review and an on-field monitor check by French referee Clément Turpin, the Manchester City midfielder was shown the first straight red card of his senior professional playing career.

Despite playing with 10 men for over 70 minutes of the second-leg, City showed incredible spirit with Erling Haaland eventually poking home an equaliser before a late Madrid winner sealed the tie.

Thankfully for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, Bernardo Silva’s suspension will not carry over into the weekend as under English FA and English Football League regulations, red cards picked up in UEFA competitions are served exclusively within those tournaments.

As such, Bernardo Silva’s suspension will only apply to the start of next season’s European campaign, although it remains to be seen whether he will still be a Manchester City player given the uncertainty surrounding his future with his contract expiring in the summer.

Bernardo Silva’s experience in high-stakes finals will be vital as Manchester City look to pivot from their European heartbreak and secure their first trophy of the season against an Arsenal side currently leading them by nine points in the Premier League.

Pep Guardiola is, however, dealing with slightly more restricted defensive options following Josko Gvardiol’s tibial fracture sustained in January and Marc Guehi’s ineligibility having registered for the club after the quarter-final stage.