Arsenal hope for huge Brentford advantage with Carabao Cup rule

Arsenal have been drawn against Brentford in the Carabao Cup third round as Mikel Arteta seeks clarification on David Raya's inclusion.

The club has a mixed record at the Gtech Community Stadium after their opening day 2-0 defeat in the 2021/22 season. However, it was a comfortable win in the last campaign as a Fabio Vieira stunner capped off a 3-0 win.

David Raya is the man in focus, however, with hope that the Spaniard would be able to rotate in for Aaron Ramsdale in the cup. However, with the stopper joining on loan with an option to buy, there were questions being asked whether he would be able to face his still-parent club.

The rule book provides an answer to some degree but leaves us with questions. Ruling 6.3 of the EFL’s Carabao Cup 2023/24 rule book says the following: "Players registered on a temporary basis will not be eligible to play unless the club holding his full registration gives its written consent (also subject to any restrictions on the number of loan players prescribed by applicable Premier League Rules or League Regulations)."

Therefore the answer is 'yes' but only if Arsenal have received written permission from Brentford that Raya could indeed play in the competition. Arsenal have yet to give confirmation that this was indeed part of the deal.

Whilst the loan itself was praised so significantly initially, allowing Arsenal to control the transfer and even decide against a permanent move if they so wish, perhaps misfortune has allowed for something of a minor backfire with this draw. The hope will be that the Gunners did indeed get that permission.

A goalkeeper who knows the opposition well would surely be a great advantage. Maybe a reason for the Bees to deny the request.