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Celtic face a potential injury crisis with defender Julian Araujo returning to parent club Bournemouth during the international break, sparking concerns about his fitness and availability. The American full-back’s return comes amidst speculation regarding manager Brendan Rodgers’ clear plan to utilise Alistair Johnston in the right-back position.

Araujo, who joined Celtic on loan in January, has struggled with injuries throughout his time at the club, limiting his appearances and impacting his ability to secure a regular starting berth. Reports suggest his return to Bournemouth is primarily due to an assessment of his current condition by the club’s medical staff.

While Celtic manager Neil Lennon expressed optimism, stating “We’ll try and put things right again when we re-assemble after the international break,” the situation highlights a growing challenge for the team. Johnston, signed earlier this season, has established himself as a key player and appears to be Rodgers’ preferred choice at right-back.

The timing of Araujo’s return is particularly inopportune for Celtic, who are battling for honours in both domestic and European competitions. The club will be hoping that Araujo’s injury is not severe and that he can return to action quickly, but the situation underscores the importance of squad depth and the potential impact of player absences.

The international break provides an opportunity for assessment and planning, with Rodgers likely to evaluate his options and ensure the team is prepared for the challenges ahead. The future of Araujo at Celtic remains uncertain, but his current injury situation and Johnston’s prominence make his return to regular first-team action less likely.