Manchester City could not see loanees Tommy Doyle or James McAtee line up against them in the FA Cup semi-final even if they wanted to.
Pep Guardiola's side booked their place at Wembley for the fourth consecutive year with a 6-0 thrashing of Championship leaders Burnley. And Sheffield United joined them a day later by coming from behind to beat Blackburn, with Doyle netting the winner and McAtee heavily involved through the game.
However, the two City youngsters will not be able to play any part in the semi-final after their loan club was drawn against their parent club. City will take on Sheffield United next month for a place in the final while Manchester United and Brighton contest the other game.
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There has been debate in the media and on social media as to whether City should allow the two to feature against them in the competition, given they have sent them on loan to get the most valuable experience they can and that includes playing in the biggest games. Even if the Blues wanted to, though, they would not be able to.
The rules of the FA Cup state that while parent clubs can give permission for their loaned players to feature generally in the competition, "The Association will not give permission for players on loan or work experience to play against the lending club". Doyle and McAtee have no choice but to sit the game out.
Both players will be hoping they have done enough this season to earn a place in Guardiola's squad for next season, although they have work to do first as Sheffield United look to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
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