Alistair Johnston has returned to training with Celtic after a long-term absence due to a hamstring injury. His return comes at a crucial time as Celtic prepares for their upcoming match against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
Alistair Johnston’s Return to Training
The Canadian right-back has been sidelined since October but successfully joined his teammates at Lennoxtown. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill expressed optimism about Johnston’s recovery, stating, “He trained with the team today, which was very encouraging.”
If Johnston has successfully completed his training sessions, he may be in line for selection soon. O’Neill added that Johnston’s prior re-injury while on international duty has made his recovery more important for the team’s performance.
Julian Araujo’s Uncertain Future
Meanwhile, Julian Araujo’s situation has taken a downturn. The Mexican international was previously recovering from a thigh injury at his parent club, Bournemouth. O’Neill reported that Araujo has suffered a setback and may have played his last game for Celtic this season.
- Araujo has made 13 appearances for Celtic.
- O’Neill stated, “I don’t think we will see him for the rest of the season.”
- Araujo’s current injury status is unclear regarding its impact on his World Cup aspirations.
Injury Updates on Other Players
Celtic is also managing injuries to other players. Colby Donovan will miss Saturday’s match due to his own hamstring issue but is reportedly recovering well.
The Title Race Landscape
Celtic is currently in a tight race for the Scottish Premiership title. As it stands, Hearts lead with 67 points, followed closely by Rangers and then Celtic. O’Neill commented on the title race, expressing a preference for Hearts’ leading position.
Upcoming Matches
Fans can look forward to several high-stakes matches in the coming weeks. Here are some key fixtures:
| Date | Matchup | Time |
|---|---|---|
| April 25 | Celtic vs Falkirk | 5:30 PM |
| April 26 | Hibernian vs Hearts | 4:30 PM |
| May 3 | Hibernian vs Celtic | 12:00 PM |
| May 4 | Hearts vs Rangers | 5:30 PM |
| May 9 | Motherwell vs Hearts | 8:00 PM |
| May 10 | Celtic vs Rangers | 12:00 PM |
As Celtic navigates through injuries and the competitive landscape of the league, the support from fans will be more crucial than ever. The Green Brigade’s return after a ban has been welcomed by both the team and their supporters, signaling excitement for the remaining season.
