Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Kasper Schmeichel is edging closer to a return, with the Celtic goalkeeper back out on the training pitch.
The experienced Dane has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the March international break, with Viljami Sinisalo stepping in to deputise between the posts in his absence.
Schmeichel’s layoff was expected to last up to six weeks, but the sight of him back working on the grass offers hope of an earlier-than-expected return as Celtic aim to wrap up the Premiership title and secure a domestic treble.
“Kasper is back out working on the pitch,” Rodgers said on Celtic TV. “He’s still not quite ready yet.”
The 38-year-old’s return to light training is a boost to Celtic as they enter a crucial final stretch of the campaign. Sinisalo has performed admirably in recent weeks, including some clean sheets, but the return of Schmeichel’s experience would be a welcome addition with high-stakes matches on the horizon.
Sinisalo is the planned future number 1 at Celtic, and he’ll still enjoy learning from Schmeichel, who penned a contract extension ahead of next season.
Rodgers is expected to stick with Sinisalo for the upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone, but Schmeichel’s return is being closely monitored, with hopes he’ll feature before the end of the season.
