Kasper Schmeichel is back in contention for Celtic as the club gears up for the final stretch of their title-winning campaign.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper has recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained while on international duty with Denmark in March and has now been cleared to return to the matchday squad.
Brendan Rodgers confirmed the news in his pre-match briefing ahead of Saturday’s match against Hibs, saying: “Kasper will be available for the squad.” [TCW]
In Schmeichel’s absence, Viljami Sinisalo stepped up and impressed, particularly with a composed performance in the Glasgow derby draw at Ibrox. The Finnish international has shown he can handle big occasions, giving Rodgers a welcome dilemma between the posts ahead of the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen on May 24.
Schmeichel’s return to fitness could see him reclaim the gloves in one of Celtic’s final two Premiership fixtures, with minutes needed if he’s to be trusted for Hampden. The veteran shot-stopper teased his comeback with a cryptic Instagram post last week, and now the return is official.
Sinisalo has been terrific since he’s stepped up, and it’s not as easy as Schmeichel walking back into the team. The Finnish keeper was brought into the club to eventually take over from the Dane, but he has brought up that conversation sooner than expected.
