Kasper Schmeichel’s injury update came out in a way you don’t usually see. It wasn’t a club statement or something carefully put together. It happened live on CBS, with him explaining the damage to his shoulder and how long he could be out.
The context made a difference. His dad Peter was asking the questions, which gave it a different feel straight away. It just played out as it happened. At points, you could tell he was still taking it in himself.
That’s what stood out to Frank McAvennie and Simon Donnelly. They’ve both been in dressing rooms and know how these things are normally handled. Their focus wasn’t really on the injury. It was on how Celtic supporters will feel.
They also noticed the timing. Celtic hadn’t really put anything out yet, so this became the first proper update fans got. That’s not usually how clubs like to handle news like this.
McAvennie said: (‘Let Me Be Frank’ podcast), “He was getting interviewed by his dad, but as soon as I saw it I thought ‘should that have not come from Celtic?’
“He was nearly in tears. You shouldn’t have your dad asking that question, and you shouldn’t be advertising that. The communication at Celtic has been non-existent really. It was horrible for Kasper.”
Simon Donnelly added: “I caught a wee bit of it. I think he has been put on the spot.
“His career looks like it could potentially be over. I know he was kind of nursing something. I saw his comments, and he said it is like an ACL for a player, so it is pretty serious.
“I think he was nursing this injury beforehand, whether he knew the severity if it [I don’t know]. Sinisalo has come in and done really well. If you are carrying an injury it is always at the back of your mind.”
Celtic have already had to adjust on the pitch. Sinisalo has come in and done well enough, but the reaction off it has still been there.
From a supporter point of view, it just felt a bit unusual. News like that would normally come through the club first. Instead, a lot of people heard it while watching a broadcast from the United States.
At the same time, it is hard to know exactly where Celtic were with it. The timing might not have lined up with the medical updates. These things can change quickly, and sometimes the full picture is not ready to be shared straight away.
Martin O’Neill is due to speak, and he has been pretty clear when dealing with these situations lately. You would expect him to clear things up. Until then, it just leaves a bit of uncertainty around both the injury and how it all came out.
