Brendan Rodgers has provided an update on the extent of Kasper Schmeichel’s shoulder injury after the Danish goalkeeper underwent a scan yesterday following the setback suffered during the international break.
Speaking to Celtic TV, Rodgers revealed that Schmeichel is set for a spell on the sidelines, though the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The Irishman confirmed that an initial timeline of five to six weeks has been given but hinted that the experienced shot-stopper is optimistic about returning sooner.
He said: “We’ve had some news, and we’ll see over the course of the next five to six weeks, is what was mentioned.
“But this is just something that day by day we have a look at it. The timeline that was given to us was around about that, but Kasper tends to think it might not be as long as that.
“Certainly in the immediate future, he won’t be available.”
With Schmeichel ruled out for the foreseeable future, Celtic will have to rely on Viljami Sinisalo, who recently made his league debut against Hearts on Saturday, impressing with a number of saves in the first half to keep a clean sheet in what was a solid outing from the 23-year-old. He is now set for a massive opportunity that he has no doubt waited for all season.
When asked whether the 38-year-old will play again this season, Rodgers sounded hopeful but cautious. “Yes, I believe so. But, like I say, we’ll just have to keep an eye on it.”
Celtic supporters will no doubt be keeping a close watch on Schmeichel’s recovery, hoping he can make a swift return over the next six weeks. In the meantime, the Hoops will need to navigate some hugely important games without Schmeichel, with Sinisalo potentially playing a key role in wrapping up the league title and securing a place in the Scottish Cup final.
Rodgers and the medical staff will continue to assess Schmeichel’s condition as the weeks progress, but for now, the focus will be on ensuring he makes a full recovery before returning to action.
Everyone at the club will be keen to see if the Dane can prove the initial prognosis wrong and return in time for the final weeks of the season.
