Celtic's Johnston Returns to Training, Araujo's Season Possibly Over

After a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury, Alistair Johnston has resumed training with Celtic, while Julian Araujo, who is on loan from Bournemouth, may have played his final game for the club due to a thigh injury setback. Johnston, a right-back for Canada, has been out since October but participated in a training session at the club's Lennoxtown facility ahead of the upcoming Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren. Araujo, a Mexico international, had returned to Bournemouth to recover from his injury but suffered a relapse. 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 chances of returning this season, saying, '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 but certainly for us, I don't think we will see him again if it's the same injury that he has redone.' Additionally, right-back Colby Donovan will miss the match against St Mirren due to a hamstring injury and may also be sidelined for the Scottish Cup tie on April 19. O'Neill welcomed the return of the Green Brigade, Celtic's ultras group, after a five-month ban was lifted, citing the importance of their vocal support. As the title race heats up, with Hearts leading the way, O'Neill acknowledged that being in the lead is a favorable position, 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.'