Overview
- Manchester City will not allow James Trafford to go on loan this month, and Pep Guardiola has named him to start the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James’ Park.
- Guardiola says Trafford’s longer-term status will be reviewed at the end of the season, leaving potential movement to the summer window.
- Trafford lost the No 1 spot after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s deadline-day arrival and has since featured mainly in domestic cups with one Champions League appearance.
- The limited game time is viewed as a setback to Trafford’s push for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
- City re-signed Trafford from Burnley last summer via a buy-back option after Newcastle showed interest, a move Guardiola says was made with confidence in his ability.