Celtic's Kasper Schmeichel drops bombshell news as extent of shoulder issue laid bare

Schmeichel, 39, only returned to Celtic training this week after illness and injury. He has lost his place to Viljami Sinisalo and has not featured since a Premiership defeat by Hibs last month. His performances have come under fierce scrutiny this season after a number of errors - which now could be explained partly due to injury issues.

The veteran stopper has dropped the bombshell news to Riemer that, for the first time since 2018, he will not be available for international duty when the Danes, who finished second behind Scotland in World Cup qualifying, face North Macedonia at Parken Stadion on March 26. The winner play Czechia or Republic of Ireland for a place in the finals.

Schmeichel also revealed that he exacerbated his shoulder injury during Celtic’s 4-1 Europa League defeat by VfB Stuttgart in mid-February and that he has been struggling with the joint for several months,

“I called Brian today and said that I cannot play the upcoming World Cup matches here in March,” said Schmeichel, who has been capped 120 times, on Friday. “It hurts me a lot, because throughout my career I have done everything to play for the Danish national team. It is just the biggest thing for me. I am with the boys all the way, and I know they will give everything to qualify us for the World Cup.

“A year ago I broke my shoulder against Portugal, but stayed on the field and played on because we did not have any more substitutions. It has caused a lot of after-effects that have been difficult to live with – and to play with. But the last few months have taken a bad turn with my shoulder, and it has really caused me problems. When we played the Europa League against Stuttgart a few weeks ago, I landed on the wrong shoulder for their first goal and smashed something again.”

Adding in interview with sport.tv2, Schmeichel added: “I have done everything I could to get ready ever since. I have had various treatments, injections and blockades, and unfortunately that has not made it better. On the contrary, a nerve was hit during an injection, and that also made me sick.

“Now I have to protect my body. I have been told by the specialists that the only thing that will help my shoulder is a four-to-six week break. There will be matches after this, and there will be a new season, and I also have to think about that. It can't go on anymore. I have to admit that my shoulder is not right. I will not be able to give my best and am forced to cancel. I hope with all my heart that the boys will now play us at the World Cup.”

Schmeichel will either be replaced by Chelsea’s Filip Jorgensen or West Ham’s Mats Hermansen for Denmark’s play-off matches.

The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly