Alistair Johnston Resumes Training with Celtic, While Julian Araujo's Season May Be Over

Celtic has received a boost with the return of Alistair Johnston to training after a lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury. The Canada right-back participated in a session with his teammates at the club's Lennoxtown training complex ahead of the upcoming Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren. However, the news is not as positive for loan defender Julian Araujo, who has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh problem. Araujo, who has been out for over a month, had returned to his parent club Bournemouth for rehabilitation but has since re-injured himself. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed concerns that Araujo may have played his last game for the club this season. "He [Johnston] trained with the team today, which was very encouraging," O'Neill said. "I don't think he felt any ill effects. He joined in before and then he went and re-injured himself with the national side, but he is coming out well now so we would need him really, as soon as possible." Regarding Araujo, O'Neill stated, "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 also confirmed that right-back Colby Donovan will miss the upcoming match due to a hamstring injury and may also be sidelined for the Scottish Cup tie against the Saints at Hampden Park on April 19. O'Neill was pleased to see the return of the Green Brigade, the Hoops ultras group, after a five-month ban was lifted. The group had been locked out of Celtic Park since October but their ban was lifted after meeting three key conditions. With Hearts leading the Scottish Premiership table with 67 points, one more than Rangers and three ahead of reigning champions Celtic, O'Neill acknowledged that the title race is still highly competitive. "I would still rather be in Hearts' position just now," he said. "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."