Kasper Schmeichel sparked worries among Celtic’s season after picking up an injury on international duty.
The Danish goalkeeper saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty but would suffer double heartache after being beaten by Portugal before being hurt during the game. It was a dramatic Nations League game that could have consequences for Celtic.
The circumstances surrounding the injury will also frustrate the stopper as well as manager Brendan Rodgers as Schmeichel’s injury came from an offside call which never came. Or it came too late.
It remains a contentious law within the game regarding the linesman putting his flag up after a full phase of play and that resulted in Schmeichel’s issue. And according to reports in his home country, it doesn’t look like a small problem, either.
News outlet Nyheder 24 claim it was “not a minor injury” which will trigger anxiety throughout the Hoops support.
Which games Schmeichel could miss for Celtic
The injury could threaten the Celtic goalkeeper’s availability for some big games including the coming Scottish Cup semi-final vs St Johnstone.
There’s also the potential risk of Schmeichel missing the Hampden finale if his side make it that far.
It comes after more claims in Denmark suggested the 38-year-old’s arm was in a sling as he boarded his flight.
The same publication speculates as to whether or not Schmeichel might be fit for the next international break in September which given the fact that it’s still a long time away, doesn’t fill anyone with confidence.
Schmeichel’s Celtic deputy has played just once
There would also be the small matter of Champions League qualifiers in the summer for Celts which would certainly be made easier with the Dane in situ.
His deputy, Viljami Sinisalo, has only made one appearance this season in a cup tie vs Raith Rovers where, to be fair to him, he did keep a clean sheet.
The Finn has been on the bench the rest of the campaign and learning from his teammate.
Schmeichel only recently penned a contract extension at Parkhead and is on course to equal a Premiership clean sheets record.
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