Brendan Rodgers Set to Make Big Celtic Call vs Hearts After Kasper Schmeichel’s Denmark Injury
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is preparing for a crucial decision ahead of the club’s high-stakes Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts, after veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel picked up an injury while on international duty with Denmark.
The 38-year-old stopper, who joined Celtic on a short-term deal last summer, was injured during Denmark’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final defeat to Portugal. Schmeichel made headlines during the match for saving a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, but it came at a cost. The experienced keeper appeared to suffer a serious shoulder injury midway through the second half, but with Denmark having already used all their substitutions, he was forced to play through the remainder of the game.
Following the final whistle, Schmeichel was seen grimacing in pain and was later pictured with his right shoulder in a sling. The Danish FA confirmed that he would return to Glasgow for further medical assessments, and early reports suggest the injury may sideline him for at least a few weeks—throwing Celtic’s goalkeeping plans into disarray during a pivotal stretch of the season.
Brendan Rodgers now faces a major call ahead of the trip to Tynecastle, where Hearts—currently third in the table—pose a significant threat to Celtic’s title push. With Schmeichel likely unavailable, Rodgers must choose between backup keeper Scott Bain and the highly-rated but inexperienced Tobi Oluwayemi.
Scott Bain, 32, has largely played a supporting role since joining Celtic in 2018, but he is well-versed in the intensity of big domestic fixtures. While Bain’s recent minutes have been limited, he has remained a reliable presence in training and boasts the experience Rodgers may lean on in a pressure-filled environment like Tynecastle.
However, there is also growing sentiment among supporters that this could be the moment for Oluwayemi, the 21-year-old academy product who has impressed in Celtic’s B team and cup competitions. Known for his quick reflexes and command of the penalty area, Oluwayemi is seen as a long-term prospect, and a start against Hearts would mark a major leap in his development.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Rodgers acknowledged the dilemma ahead.
“We’re waiting on the full assessment of Kasper’s injury, but it doesn’t look good at the moment,” Rodgers said. “He’s been a leader in the dressing room and his experience has been vital for us this season. But as always, we plan for every scenario, and we’ve got good goalkeepers ready to step in.”
When pressed on who might get the nod against Hearts, Rodgers remained tight-lipped.
“We’ll make that decision closer to the match. Scott’s been a great professional and Tobi has been pushing hard—both are capable. What’s important is that whoever plays knows the responsibility that comes with wearing that jersey.”
Celtic are currently locked in a tight title race with Rangers, with only a few points separating the two rivals as the league enters its final stretch. The match against Hearts is seen as one of the most difficult remaining fixtures for Rodgers’ side, and having a stable presence between the posts will be critical to securing a positive result.
The Schmeichel injury is a blow not just in terms of experience, but also leadership. The former Leicester City and Manchester United keeper has played a key role in mentoring younger players and organizing the back line, attributes that may be missed during his absence.
Rodgers will be hoping that whichever goalkeeper he selects can rise to the occasion. For Celtic, the stakes could not be higher. A win at Tynecastle would not only strengthen their title ambitions but also send a strong message of resilience amid adversity.
As Celtic await final word on Schmeichel’s condition, all eyes will turn to Brendan Rodgers’ team sheet this weekend—for a decision that could shape the remainder of their season.
