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Kasper Schmeichel has withdrawn from Denmark’s squad for the upcoming international break.
The 39-year-old is yet to return to a matchday squad after being taken out for Celtic’s 2-2 draw at Ibrox on the first of this month.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has remained positive on Schmeichel, insisting that they had been expecting Schmeichel to return to availability imminently.
But after the news that he is taking a 4-6 week break, Denmark boss Brian Riemer has claimed that the news wasn’t a surprise.
Where does this latest setback leave Kasper Schmeichel?
Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images Denmark boss Brian Riemer on Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel
Speaking to Bold via the Daily Record, Riemer said: “We are aware that Kasper has informed me today that he is not available for the upcoming international matches due to an injury.
“We are always disappointed to receive cancellations.
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Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
“Of course, it’s always a shame when players get injured. There’s been a while where he hasn’t played, so it is no surprise.
“I am pleased that we are well equipped in the goalkeeper position with two goalkeepers who perform at a high level in the Premier League. I am very comfortable with that.”
This is a major difference in tone from O’Neill, who had been much more optimistic on Schmeichel’s present situation.
The Hoops boss had said: “He’s much, much better now.
“He trained today, and he didn’t feel his shoulder; it’s feeling much better after the injection. I’ll have a look at that and see.”
Schmeichel doesn’t seem to be feeling much better, admitting to being in extreme pain in Celtic’s 4-1 defeat to Stuttgart.
You have £10m to spend on a new goalkeeper to replace Kasper Schmeichel…
Who do you pick?
Credit: Getty Images/Malcolm Mackenzie Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel: injury time
This all started in Denmark’s Nations League tie against Portugal last March, which saw Schmeichel remain on the pitch despite breaking his shoulder.
He did not undergo surgery and returned to Celtic training early. He made the starting XI for the Scottish Cup Final, making a fatal error which allowed Aberdeen to win the trophy on penalties.
This became a theme. Schmeichel’s form has taken a sharp downturn this season, with the Dane clearly not operating anywhere near the levels he was in his stellar first nine months in Glasgow.
There are now serious questions over whether he will ever play again, for club or country.
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