Celtic loanee Julian Araujo in Mexico to undergo specialist care

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The Celtic Star

·25. April 2026

Celtic loanee Julian Araujo in Mexico to undergo specialist care

Celtic loanee Julian Araujo has travelled to Mexico to undergo specialist care as he attempts to recover in time for the upcoming World Cup this summer…

Julian Araujo holds the Celtic badge at Ibrox. theRangers 2 Celtic 2. Sunday 1st March 2026.Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

The right-back had already returned to his parent club, AFC Bournemouth, after suffering a thigh injury, with Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirming he would not feature again for the Scottish champions this season.

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Initial expectations were that the 24-year-old would miss the tournament following his latest setback earlier this month. However, Araujo remains determined to keep his hopes alive.

He has now linked up with medical staff at the Mexican FA’s High Performance Centre, where he will undergo an intensive rehabilitation programme aimed at proving his fitness to national team boss Javier Aguirre.

The defender is set to complete a demanding week of treatment and recovery work ahead of the Mexican squad announcement.

Julian Araujo and Nicky Cadden. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 22 February 2026. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO Shutterstock

Araujo made 13 appearances during his loan spell at Celtic and spoke upon his return to Bournemouth as he continues his recovery.

Taking to Instagram following his departure, Araujo said: “I’m truly grateful to Celtic Football Club for welcoming me from day one and making Glasgow feel like home. Wearing this badge and experiencing the passion, history, and energy of this club is something I’ll carry with me forever.”

Alistair Johnston of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier Sports League Cup match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on August 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Martin O’Neill has revealed that Alistair Johnston could be in line for being in the squad for Celtic’s encounter this evening against Falkirk.

Speaking at yesterday’s media conference, O’Neill said: “Well, Alistair Johnston is coming back. I’m hoping that he will be in the squad tomorrow. So that’s good news for us. Yeah, we’ve got… We’re getting stronger in that sense. Of course, we’ve missed the big players throughout the course of the year.”

“But nothing can be done about that. But we’re looking forward to it. Let’s give it a go.”

Conor Spence

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