FootyChatter.com

Kasper Schmeichel was injured on international duty with Denmark Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder on international duty, boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed. The 38-year-old picked up the knock during Denmark's Nations League quarter-final second-leg loss in Portugal, but Rodgers is unsure of the extent of the injury. The Danish captain, who has 81 caps, played on in Sunday's 5-2 loss which meant the Portuguese progressed 5-3 on aggregate. Asked if Schmeichel's season could be over, Rodgers replied: "Don't know. We don't know how long he'll be out. "We're still waiting to hear on that. He's obviously got some issues with his shoulder. " Schmeichel's display in Portugal, which included saving a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, attracted flak over his fitness in the Danish media, some of which led to complaints from the country's players' union. "All I know is the reason I brought him here, knowing him so well, is because he's still a top-class keeper, " said Rodgers. "If you look at his performance level for us over the course of the season, he's been absolutely brilliant. In big games, he's made big performances. And for me, he still has that hunger and that desire to play. "When criticism comes as a coach, manager, player, sometimes it's not civil. Sometimes, it's personal, sadly. "But I know his character and mentality, and I know how determined he'll be to come back. " Hearts' tall order, Boyle & Mc Innes in focus Visit our Celtic page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views Get Celtic news notifications in the BBC Sport app Viljami Sinisalo, signed in the summer from Aston Villa around the time Schmeichel arrived from Anderlecht, will deputise at home to Hearts on Saturday. The Finland international has made only one cup appearance for Celtic so far. Of Sinisalo, Rodgers commented: "He's a very talented young goalkeeper. He was very, very good pre-season. "He's been outstanding in training in what we've seen. I've seen him grow and develop. I've got no qualms of putting him in. " Callum Mc Gregor missed Celtic's last game, the 3-2 home loss to Rangers, but the captain and fellow midfielder Paulo Bernardo as well as winger James Forrest and defender Auston Trusty are back in Rodgers' squad. However, defender Liam Scales is not quite ready to return following a recent surgery. We don't deserve Club World Cup bonus - Guardiola 'We made mistake' on Lawson, says Red Bull chief Osasuna claim Barcelona player was ineligible Dark crime thriller with Elen Rhys and Richard Harrington A story of deceit, lies and dodgy drams Kinahan: One of the world's most feared crime organisations The toxic waste scandal that shattered a community Scotland men's internationals to be shown live on BBC When Romanov picked Rix - and the Hearts team 'Scotland is about to lay king to rest. Sleep well, my hero' Commonwealth Games: Why is it so special to be part of Team Scotland? The squinting kid who grew into giant of global game Relegation and the race for Europe - what's to play for in WSL? Another success story? How Hurzeler has taken Brighton to next level FA Cup stories: How Sutton's reserve keeper made headlines. Video FA Cup stories: How Sutton's reserve keeper made headlines 'Raducanu needs lasting plan to build on Miami progress' What were the biggest moves of NFL free agency? 'A house of cards' - Sampdoria face 'unthinkable' relegation Sad story of 'Mr Wigan Athletic' proves football family still exists Brilliant FA Cup free-kicks - Beckham & Payet star. Video Brilliant FA Cup free-kicks - Beckham & Payet star Grayson's journey from Villa & Preston to Everest base camp 'No evidence leading back to me' - Mayer on Ryan paint attack Archie Vaughan on living with his father's legacy We need some Ashes glory in colour, says England's Wane The Jordan shot that 'changed the world' Which is the biggest football club in Britain? Who is through to World Cup - and how does qualifying work? Four tactical lessons we learned from Tuchel's first games In pictures: Sporting photos of the week Were Ferrari at fault or unlucky with disqualifications? Blood brothers - bonds and betrayal on a rugby pitch Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.