Telling Kasper Schmeichel interview as Celtic performances explained | OneFootball

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has revealed that he has withdrawn from international duty after confirming an ongoing shoulder injury. In an interview with Danish media, Schmeichel confirmed that he had spoken to Denmark manager Brian Reimer to advise him of his injury issues.

Schmeichel confirmed that he has been playing through the pain in his shoulder, something that has clearly inhibited his performances for Celtic.

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel fails to stop a shot from distance Ricardo Horta of SC Braga who scores to give Braga a 0-1 lead. Celtic v Braga, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 02 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO Shutterstock

Speaking to Sport TV2, Schmeichel explained his decision to withdraw from international duty ahead of the playoffs for the FIFA World Cup this summer.

“I called Brian today and said that I cannot play the upcoming World Cup matches here in March.

“It hurts me a lot, because throughout my career I have done everything to play for the Danish national team. It is just the biggest thing for me. I am 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 did not have any more substitutions.

“It has caused a lot of after-effects that have been difficult to live with – and to play with.

“But the last few months have taken a bad turn with my shoulder, and it has really caused me problems.

“When we played the Europa League against Stuttgart a few weeks ago, I landed on the wrong shoulder for their first goal and smashed something again.”

The display against Stuttgart was poor but rather than substituting himself off at 1-0, Schmeichel continued to play through the injury. This was followed up by his appearance for Celtic against Hibs a few days later. Supporters would notice Schmeichel signalling to the bench in the first half and receiving a reply by virtue of the subs board.

Callum McGregor and Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic celebrate after their win in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Celtic FC and FC Utrecht at Celtic Park on January 29, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Schmeichel confirmed that he has been undergoing treatment in order to allow him to play but it’s been clear that he has still been stricken with the injury, making a number of uncharacteristic mistakes.

“I have done everything I could to get ready ever since. I have had various treatments, injections and blockades, and unfortunately that has not made it better.

“On the contrary, a nerve was hit during an injection, and that also made me sick.

“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 four-to-six week break.

“There will be matches after this, and there will be a new season, and I also have to think about that. It can’t go on anymore. I have to admit that my shoulder is not right.

“I will not be able to give my best and am forced to cancel. I hope with all my heart that the boys will now play us at the World Cup.”

It is telling that Schmeichel believes at this stage he should open up about his issues. There would have been a real sympathy for him given this issue had he owned up to it earlier this season, likewise the club’s medical and coaching team should not have put him into the team if he’s been nursing a serious injury, especially such an important one for a goalie.

Vil Sinisalo has established himself as the number one after coming into the team for the away win against Stuttgart. The Finnish goalie has impressed, making a number of big saves and in the recent Scottish Cup Quarter Final win at Ibrox, he was excellent.

There have been rumours that Schmeichel fell out with his teammates and was not particularly pleased at being benched at the expense of Sinisalo. Martin O’Neill confirmed he was unwell, this is something that was confirmed by the player stating he was sick after an injection.