Celtic have dropped a subtle hint over their weekend line-up, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel notably absent from training on Friday.
The veteran stopper picked up a shoulder injury during Denmark’s UEFA Nations League play-off clash with Portugal, and while the full extent of the setback is still being assessed, it’s already been confirmed he will miss Saturday’s Premiership tie against Hearts.
As cameras from Sky Sports picked up Schmeichel’s absence, Celtic’s own media team followed up by releasing a series of training images – with particular focus on number two Viljami Sinisalo.
📸 The Bhoys are back!
Full focus on Hearts tomorrow 👊💚#CELHEA | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/7jAmBkisDJ
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 28, 2025
The 23-year-old Finnish international is expected to make his second competitive appearance for the club, and his first in the league. Sinisalo previously played in the Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers and now looks primed for a bigger test against Hearts.
It’s a huge opportunity for Sinisalo, who has waited patiently for his moment since arriving in the summer. With Schmeichel’s return date still uncertain, the former Aston Villa keeper could be set for an extended run in the team during a crucial part of the campaign.
There was some good news for Celtic, however. Club captain Callum McGregor was back out on the grass, having missed the derby with a calf injury. The midfielder’s return would be a massive boost to Brendan Rodgers, as would the return of centre-half Auston Trusty, who also featured in training after pulling out of international duty with the USA.
Paulo Bernardo, who spoke to CeltsAreHere yesterday, was also back with the group.
