Martin O’Neill had claimed that Kasper Schmeichel was “much better” heading into the Motherwell game at the weekend.
The Danish goalkeeper has been out for the last three matches through illness, with it seemingly always the plan for him to drop out against Stuttgart in the away leg.
But, the 39-year-old has given his own update on his condition, and it’s very different from the gaffer’s.
He says that he is OUT for up to six weeks. This comes after Martin O’Neill reported that his shoulder injections are working, but Schmeichel now contradicts that. He was training on Friday.
He’s revealed that he’s withdrawn from Denmark’s World Cup qualifiers, looking to preserve himself for the main event after he “smashed” something in his shoulder vs Stuttgart.
Yet, he played on against the German side and then started against Hibs that weekend, a costly loss for the Hoops.
“I called Brian today and said that I cannot play the upcoming World Cup matches here in March,” he told Sport TV2.
“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.”
Asked how he has tried to remedy the situation in a bid to speed up his return, he added:
“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’s quite a weird one. Martin O’Neill has gone from a positive update to Schmeichel giving this personal blow.
Sinisalo will continue between the sticks. He’s impressed in these last four matches, and now is his time to have a proper run in the team and show his worth.
Martin O’Neill will probably touch on the subject later today.
