Denmark without Kasper Schmeichel for North Macedonia play-off, first competitive absence since 2018 | OneFootball

Denmark will be without Kasper Schmeichel for the World Cup European play-off semi-final against North Macedonia after the goalkeeper underwent left shoulder surgery, marking his first competitive absence since November 2018.

According to L'Équipe, the Celtic Glasgow keeper had an initial operation on Monday and must wait a few weeks for a second, more significant procedure. At 39, the 120-cap international could even be forced to end his career as a result of the injury.

The semi-final is on Thursday at 20:45. The last competitive Denmark match without him was a 0-0 draw with Eire on 19 November 2018 in the Nations League group phase, when he was suspended.

Denmark are also without regular starters Andreas Christensen, Rasmus Kristensen and Jannik Vestergaard, while Joachim Andersen is suspended.

Eight newcomers could make their debuts, including Lyon’s Noah Nartey and Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Högh, either against North Macedonia or, if they qualify for the final, against the winner of Czech Republic v Eire.

Source: L'Équipe