Celtic's Johnston Returns to Training as Araujo's Season Hangs in Balance

After being sidelined since October with a hamstring injury, Canada right-back Alistair Johnston has rejoined his teammates at Celtic's training complex. Meanwhile, Mexico international Julian Araujo, who is on loan from Bournemouth, has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh problem and may have played his last game for the club. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed encouragement at Johnston's progress, stating, 'He trained with the team today, which was very encouraging. I don't think he felt any ill effects.' However, O'Neill was less optimistic about Araujo's prospects, saying, '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 club is also dealing with other injury concerns, including right-back Colby Donovan, who will miss Saturday's game with a hamstring injury. On a positive note, the Green Brigade, Celtic's ultras group, will be returning to Celtic Park after a five-month ban was lifted. O'Neill welcomed the news, saying, 'The support is 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.' With the title race heating up, O'Neill acknowledged that Hearts' current position at the top of the table is enviable, but remained uncertain about the outcome, 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. It could go any way. I genuinely wouldn't know.'