Celtic: Brendan Rodgers waits for news on ‘top-class’ Schmeichel injury

Kasper Schmeichel will be absent for a period, Brendan Rodgers has confirmed, but the Celtic manager is unsure over the extent of the Denmark goalkeeper’s shoulder injury.

The 38-year-old picked up the knock during Denmark’s Nations League quarter-final second-leg loss in Portugal on Sunday.

The Danish captain, with 81 caps, played on in the 5-2 loss, as the Portuguese won 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.”

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 McGregor 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.