The Kasper Schmeichel injury saga has taken a dramatic turn this week. According to the latest reports from Danish outlet B.T., the 39-year-old’s first surgical procedure was moved forward from Friday to the beginning of this week.
Schmeichel caused a stir last week after the Celtic goalkeeper revealed his injury on CBS as he lamented missing the World Cup with Denmark.
While rescheduling the surgery sounds minor, for Schmeichel, it signals a race against time for the Celtic star whose career is now hanging by a thread.
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The brutal reality of Schmeichel’s injury and its impact on Celtic
Schmeichel’s admission on CBS Sports was as candid and caused a stir amongst the Celtic support. He has suffered what he described as a total collapse of the joint.
The list of damage includes a torn bicep, a torn rotator cuff, a dislocated shoulder, and a torn labrum. To put that in perspective, Schmeichel compared it to an outfielder tearing their ACL and Achilles simultaneously.
With Danish outlet B.T. reporting surgery being brought forward to the start of this week, and a recovery timeline of 9 to 12 months, the veteran goalkeeper will be 40 by the time he is realistically fit to play again.
Given that his Celtic contract expires this summer, it is highly unlikely Hoops fans will see him in a Hoops jersey again.
How Celtic navigate the Kasper Schmeichel fallout
The announcement has left Celtic boss Martin O’Neill in an awkward position. The Parkhead gaffer admitted he was ‘surprised and disappointed’ by the news, which he heard second-hand after Schmeichel’s live TV appearance.
Just days prior, the club’s messaging suggested the keeper was close to a return. This breakdown in communication has sparked criticism from pundits like Celtic hero Chris Sutton, who labeled the decision to play through the injury as ‘selfish’, potentially costing Celtic in the title race and the Scottish Cup.
With Schmeichel out, Viljami Sinisalo is now Celtic’s No. 1. However, with only Ross Doohan in reserve, O’Neill will be hoping that the Finnish international goalkeeper will get through this international window unscathed, and remain fit for the rest of the season for Celtic.
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