Hart picked up the injury in Manchester City's 2-2 draw against Hull on Sunday as he tried to prevent Daniel Cousin from opening the scoring, and had to be replaced by Schmeichel moments later.

Hart has been forced to withdraw from the England squad ahead of this Wednesday's clash with Germany and is set to miss several Premier League games.

Schmeichel has been impressed by Hart's form in recent weeks and is disappointed for his goalkeeping rival.

"I felt ready when I came on, but I'm gutted for Joe with the internationals coming up," Schmeichel told the club's official website.

"He's been flying of late, and then all of a sudden that happens. It's a real kick in the teeth and I feel for him.

"It just seems typical of our luck at the moment. When things are not going for you, they really don't go for you, so we have just got to dig in but we cannot let it affect us."

Schmeichel hopes to play well in the coming weeks after working hard on his fitness, but admits he would have liked to get his opportunity under different circumstances.

The Dane added: "He's gutted, and we all are for him because he's worked so hard recently.

"It could only happen with an international coming up when he gets called up to the full squad. It's so typical, he's a very good friend and I'm really sorry for him.

"Not playing is frustrating, but Joe has done well. I've been working harder than I ever have, I'm doing a hard regime in the gym and I just want to be in as good a shape as possible whenever I get the call."