Alistair Johnston in training boost for Celtic but Julian Araujo is ruled out
Long-term absentee Alistair Johnston returned to training with Celtic as Martin O’Neill revealed injured loan defender Julian Araujo could have played his last game for the Hoops.
Canada right-back Johnston has been out since October with a hamstring injury but joined his team-mates at the club’s Lennoxtown training complex ahead of the home William Hill Premiership game against the Buddies on Saturday.
Mexico international Araujo had returned to parent club Bournemouth to recover from a thigh problem – which has kept him out for over a month – but has had a set-back.
“He (Johnston) trained with the team today, which was very encouraging,” said Celtic boss O’Neill.
“I don’t think he felt any ill effects. He joined in, he joined in before and then he went and re-injured himself with the national side, but he is coming out well now so we would need him really, as soon as possible.
“If he comes through today, a little bit of work that he did with the team and also the work he did on his own with the recuperative team, then next week would be would be hopefully a good week’s training for him and who knows?”
On Araujo, who became a fans’ favourite in his 13 appearances for the Hoops, O’Neill said: “Julian re-injured himself under supervision at Bournemouth so that was a real blow.
“I’ve only found that out today so I don’t think we will see him for the rest of the season.
“I don’t know what sort of time element it is for his World Cup aspirations, I don’t know that, but certainly for us, I don’t think we will see him again if it’s the same injury that he has redone.”
O’Neill confirmed right-back Colby Donovan would sit out Saturday’s game with a hamstring injury and could also miss the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup tie against the Saints at Barclays Hampden on Sunday week but was “recovering well”.
O’Neill was pleased to see that the Green Brigade would back at in situ after a five-month ban was lifted.
The Hoops ultras group have been locked out of Celtic Park since October but their ban was lifted after three key conditions were met as the Hoops continue their chase of Hearts and Rangers at the top of the table.
Hearts lead the way with 67 points, one more than the Light Blues and three ahead of reigning champions Celtic.
O’Neill said: “I think that the safety regulations have been sorted and I think that that would give us a boost, absolutely.
“The support is very, very strong, it’s great and I would like if that was the case, just to park things now and let’s see what the summer brings.
“But in terms of support, in terms of vocal support, it’s great to see them back again.”
On the title race, the Northern Irishman added: “I would still rather be in Hearts’ position just now.
“They are in the lead with games running out, that is not a bad position to be in. It could go any way. I genuinely wouldn’t know.”
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