Donovan injury and Araujo mystery add to Celtic worries

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The Celtic Star

·25. März 2026

Donovan injury and Araujo mystery add to Celtic worries

Celtic’s nightmare Sunday on the sand dunes at Tannadice has gone from bad to worse with the news today that Colby Donovan has been forced to withdraw from the Scotland Under 21 squad due to injury…

Colby Donovan of Celtic controls the ball under pressure from Will Ferry of Dundee United during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic at Tannadice Park on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

The young right-back started ahead of Anthony Ralston, who curiously remained an unused substitute in the damaging 2-0 defeat to Dundee United. Donovan went over the advertising hoardings behind the goal as he reached the byeline with Celtic chasing an equaliser. The 19 year-old landed awkwardly and after some treatment was withdrawn with Luke McCowan going into midfield and Reo Hatate dropping back to right-back.

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Colby Donovan injured at Tannadice. Dundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

That was costly as Hatate was at sixes and sevens in the build-up to the second and decisive Dundee United goal which leaves Celtic in third spot in the Scottish Premiership race and essentially having to now win all remaining seven games while hoping leaders Hearts drop points elsewhere.

There was more mystery before the game surrounding the Celtic right back personnel with Julian Araujo returning to Bournemouth for treatment for an injury he appears to have picked up, perhaps in training. The rumour mill has been in overdrive regarding the Mexico international full-back who has made a huge impact at Celtic and is very much a fans favourite.

Julian Araujo celebrates at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock 2 Celtic 3. Scottish Premiership. Sunday 15 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Martin O’Neill seemed to be being deliberately vague when questioned about Arahjo’s situation saying that he could be back at Celtic after the international break. That remains to be seen.

Better news on the injury front concerning Alistair Johnston who has been on the long-term injury list but is now close to a return. With Celtic having eight to possibly nine matches remaining this season (extra one is dependent on beating St Mirren at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final next month) Johnston really needs to get some game-time in ahead of going home to Canada to represent his country in the the World Cup Finals.

Hopefully Colby Donovan’s injury isn’t serious and he too will be available for Celtic in the must win match at Dens Park a week on Sunday against Steven Pressley’s Dundee side.

#SCO21s | Squad update. IN: Ryan Carr, Josh Dede & Taylor Steven. OUT: Cameron Bragg, Colby Donovan & Kristi Montgomery. #YoungTeam
– Mittwoch, 25. März 2026

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