AFC Bournemouth loanee has developed into a fan favourite - but he looks to have played his last game for Celtic
Celtic have been dealt a catastrophic title race blow after learning that AFC Bournemouth loanee Julian Araujo’s season could be over after sustaining a thigh injury.
The Mexico international, who arrived at Parkhead on from the English Premier League outfit in January, proved an instant smash-hit with supporters by netting a dramatic 97th minute winner away to Kilmarnock that kept the reigning champions in the title equation.
Araujo continued to endear himself to the club’s fanbase thereafter by producing a strong performance in the Scottish Cup quarter-final win over bitter rivals Rangers at Ibrox. But he has missed the last two games after suffering the injury in training.
The 24-year-old returned to parent club Bournemouth for treatment earlier this month but fresh reports claim the right-back now looks set to miss the Premiership run-in after discovering the full extent of his injury.
According to The Herald, Araujo may have played his last game for Martin O’Neill’s side as he faces up to 7-8 weeks on the sidelines with a quad strain, which will also rule him out of Celtic’s cup semi-final showdown with St Mirren.
Prior to the international break, interim boss O’Neill confirmed he was unable to put a timescale on the player’s recovery. Earlier this week, Araujo took to social media and teased fans by suggesting that a return to action was close.
However, that appears to be no longer the case as Celtic come to terms with their latest setback, having already lost veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel to a long-standing shoulder issue that will require him to undergo two separate operations and could force the 39-year-old into early retirement.
Read More
While Araujo’s injury confirmation will be viewed as a major blow, it is softened somewhat by the news that Alistair Johnston is nearing a return to action following a lengthy lay-off.
A troublesome hamstring problem led the Canadian international to go under the knife, but after weeks of rehabilitation he is now closing in on making a long-awaited comeback for the post-split league fixtures.
Ex Celtic star delivers harsh truth on why club will snub permanent £10m Araujo deal
Araujo has created a strong impression during his short spell in Glasgow, with his passion and high-intensity approach to games making him an instant hit. However, former Hoops defender Charlie Mulgrew has provided the harsh truth regarding a potential £10m summer transfer.
The price tag was always sure to be a huge stumbling block unless Bournemouth were willing to sanction another loan move. But that situation is complicated with Johnston remaining the established first-choice right-back and the emergence of youngster Colby Donovan, who has risen up through the academy system.
Speaking on Go Radio, he admitted: “I don’t think they will sign a fullback for that amount of money. I don’t think with Alistair Johnston being there that there is any chance in Celtic spending £10 million to have two top-class fullbacks in the building.”
Continue Reading