Now I have to protect my body- Schmeichel opens up on year of agony

The career of Kasper Schmeichel looks in doubt after he revealed details of his recent injury problems.

The 39-year-old has been told that a 4-6 week rest is the best option to take on a shoulder injury that has caused him problems for almost a year.

Schmeichel has remained Celtic’s first choice throughout that period but since the win away to Stuttgart on February 26 Vil Sinisalo has been playing.

MOBILITY ISSUE FOR SCHMEICHEL

Celtic fans have been concerned by the Dane’s mobility for some time, starting in last season’s Scottish Cup Final defeat to Aberdeen.

An own goal from the Dane gifted Aberdeen a late equaliser. In the penalty shoot out the Dons placed all of their penalties high into the net.

This season Schmeichel hasn’t looked anything like the ‘keeper that impressed in last season’s Champions League.

He is still capable of his trademark ‘starfish’ blocks but his mobility has been suspect as Celtic struggled defensively.

Over recent weeks Martin O’Neill has been very protective when asked about Schmeichel.

Schmeichel was pictured training with Celtic on Friday but later in the day be spoke to SPORT TV2:

Today I called Brian (Danish manager Riemer) and said that I can’t play the upcoming World Cup matches here in March. It really hurts me, because throughout my career I have done everything to play for the Danish national team. It’s just the biggest thing for me. I’m 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 didn’t have any more substitutions. It has caused a lot of after-effects, which have been hard to live with – and play with.

But the last few months things have taken a bad turn with my shoulder, and it has really caused problems for me. Then when we played the Europa League against Stuttgart a couple of weeks ago, I landed on the wrong shoulder for their first goal and smashed something again.

I have done everything I could to get ready ever since. I have had various treatments, injections and blockades, and unfortunately it has not made it better. On the contrary, a nerve was hit during an injection, and I also became ill from that.

Schmeichel added:

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 4-6 week break. There will be matches after this, and there will be a new season, and I also have to think about that. It is no longer possible. I have to admit that my shoulder is not okay. I will not be able to perform at my best and am forced to cancel. I hope with all my heart that the boys will now play us at the World Cup.

Since Sinisalo went in goals Ross Doohan has been called up to the Celtic bench.

With Sinisalo impressing over the last four matches it is hard to see how Schmeichel gets back into the Celtic side.

With his contract expiring at the end of this season it won’t be easy for a 39-year-old with an injury issue to continue playing at the highest level.

Complete rest for 4-6 weeks takes Schmeichel towards the end of April. Recovering full fitness and match sharpness looks like a big ask.

Unless Sinisalo picks up an injury it looks unlikely that Schmeichel will play again this season. Doohan hasn’t had any playing time since his summer move from Aberdeen.