Brendan Rodgers has eased fears over Kasper Schmeichel’s availability for Celtic’s trip to Motherwell, revealing the goalkeeper was simply given a rest day rather than suffering from any injury setback.
Sky Sports had reported that keeper’s absence, with SNS photographers also not snapping him in training.
Schmeichel’s absence from Friday’s training session at Lennoxtown sparked concerns that the veteran shot-stopper could be a doubt for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash. However, Rodgers was quick to dismiss any injury worries, joking about the keeper’s age when asked about his absence.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Rodgers played down any concerns and insisted Schmeichel was fine.
“He’s a bit old, isn’t he?,” he joked, as quoted as TCW.Â
“You’ve got to look after them. You just need those few wee extra days, give him a little cuddle…he’s okay.”
The light-hearted response confirms that Schmeichel will be available for the visit to Fir Park, where Celtic will look to bounce back from their Champions League defeat at Aston Villa.
Motherwell are without a manager and will look to cause an upset in Lanarkshire.
Despite competition from Viljami Sinisalo, who was tipped to potentially make his debut, it looks certain that Schmeichel will keep his place between the sticks for the league encounter.
With the Hoops fighting on multiple fronts, Rodgers is clearly managing the 38-year-old Dane carefully to keep him fresh for the busy schedule ahead.
