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

Celtic has received a boost with the return of Alistair Johnston to training after a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. However, the club may have seen the last of loan defender Julian Araujo, who has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh problem. Johnston, a Canada right-back, has been out since October but joined his teammates at the club's Lennoxtown training complex ahead of the upcoming Scottish Premiership game against St Mirren. Araujo, a Mexico international, had returned to his parent club Bournemouth to recover but has re-injured himself. Celtic boss Martin O'Neill expressed encouragement at Johnston's progress, stating that he trained with the team without any issues and could be back in action soon. In contrast, O'Neill revealed that Araujo's injury may keep him out for the remainder of the season, dealing a blow to the club's title aspirations. The manager also confirmed that right-back Colby Donovan will miss the game against St Mirren due to a hamstring injury and may also be out for the Scottish Cup tie. Meanwhile, the Green Brigade, Celtic's ultras group, will be back in the stadium after a five-month ban was lifted, providing a much-needed boost to the team's support. O'Neill welcomed the return of the vocal supporters, acknowledging the significance of their presence in the title race. With Hearts leading the table, followed closely by Rangers and Celtic, the manager admitted that he would rather be in Hearts' position but remains uncertain about the outcome of the season.