Celtic Face Six-Week Schmeichel Absence After Denmark Injury | OneFootball

Schmeichel Set for Lengthy Spell Out as Celtic Assess Injury Blow

Injury Blow Hampers Celtic’s Domestic Push

Celtic will be without Kasper Schmeichel for a crucial phase of the season, with the Danish goalkeeper set to miss up to six weeks after suffering a shoulder injury while on international duty. Brendan Rodgers confirmed the setback, which could rule the 38-year-old out of as many as seven fixtures across league and cup competitions.

The injury was sustained during Denmark’s Nations League quarter-final second-leg defeat to Portugal last month. Despite the apparent shoulder knock, Schmeichel played through the pain barrier in a match that ended in a 5-2 defeat and a 5-3 aggregate exit for the Danes.

Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, said: “This is just something that, day by day, we’ll have a look at, but the timeline that was given to us was maybe around about that.”

The manager added, “Kasper tends to think it might not be as long as that, but certainly in the immediate future he won’t be available.”

Photo: IMAGO

Sinisalo Steps In as Fixtures Pile Up

With Schmeichel unavailable, Finnish international Viljami Sinisalo has been handed the gloves. The 23-year-old made only his second appearance for Celtic in the 3-0 Premiership victory over Heart of Midlothian on Saturday. Calm under pressure and composed in distribution, Sinisalo will now be expected to marshal the backline in one of the most defining stretches of Celtic’s campaign.

Celtic face St Johnstone away this weekend before hosting Kilmarnock on 12 April. The following week, they return to Hampden Park for a Scottish Cup semi-final clash against St Johnstone on 20 April. It’s a fixture that carries extra weight, given Celtic’s ambitions of another domestic double.

After that, the defending champions head into the league’s final phase with five fixtures against top-six opposition, plus a potential Scottish Cup final showdown on 24 May against either Aberdeen or Hearts.

Photo: IMAGO

There’s also a midweek round of league matches scheduled for 14 May – a possible return date for Schmeichel – though Rodgers may eye the final round of league fixtures on 17–18 May for his comeback.

Schmeichel’s Influence Beyond the Gloves

While Schmeichel’s stats this season – 46 club appearances – speak to his consistency, his presence is measured in more than numbers. Leadership, experience, and calmness under pressure have been defining qualities of the veteran Dane since his arrival. At 38, his reading of the game and communication from the backline remain vital assets.

His absence will undoubtedly be felt not just in goal but across the dressing room, particularly in high-stakes matches where a composed presence is often the difference.

Rodgers will hope that Sinisalo can seize the opportunity while the club’s medical team works to bring their first-choice keeper back ahead of schedule – something Schmeichel himself is optimistic about.

High Stakes as Season Enters Final Stretch

With both domestic trophies still within reach, Celtic’s challenge now is to maintain rhythm and resilience. The title race remains tight, and with every game under scrutiny, the margins are razor-thin. The upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final could also shape the narrative of Rodgers’ campaign – and having to navigate it without his most experienced player only increases the level of difficulty.

Whether it’s six weeks or slightly fewer, Schmeichel’s recovery will be watched closely. For now, Celtic march forward without him – and Sinisalo has the stage to show he belongs.