Alistair Johnston Returns to Training with Celtic, Julian Araujo's Season Uncertain

Celtic has welcomed back Alistair Johnston to training after a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. The Canada right-back has been sidelined since October but has resumed training with his teammates ahead of the upcoming Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren. Meanwhile, Julian Araujo, who is on loan from Bournemouth, may have played his last game for Celtic due to a thigh problem that has kept him out for over a month. Araujo suffered a setback during his recovery, and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed doubts about the player's availability for the remainder of the season. O'Neill stated, 'He [Johnston] trained with the team today, which was very encouraging... 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 hopefully a good week's training for him.' Regarding Araujo, 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.' The team will also be without right-back Colby Donovan, who is nursing a hamstring injury, but O'Neill confirmed that he is recovering well. The Celtic manager also welcomed the return of the Green Brigade, the team's ultras group, after a five-month ban was lifted. The Hoops are currently third in the Scottish Premiership, three points behind leaders Hearts, and O'Neill acknowledged that the title race is still uncertain, saying, '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.'