Celtic Loanee Araujo Returns to Bournemouth for Thigh Injury Treatment

Celtic defender Julian Araujo has returned to his parent club AFC Bournemouth for treatment on a thigh injury, casting uncertainty over his availability for the Scottish champions as they navigate a critical phase of the season.

The 24-year-old Mexican international, on loan from Bournemouth since January, traveled back to the Vitality Stadium after feeling tightness in his thigh following Celtic's recent Scottish Cup match against Rangers. He has missed the team's last three games, including a 2-0 league defeat to Dundee United on Sunday that highlighted defensive vulnerabilities on the right flank. Araujo's absence comes at a time when Celtic, already without long-term injured right-back Alistair Johnston, have struggled with eight league losses this season, their worst tally in the 38-game format since the mid-1990s.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill confirmed the situation after the loss at Tannadice. "He's missing, he's down and he's getting treatment and being rehabbed at his football club at Bournemouth," O'Neill said. "I'm not sure if he'll be available after the international break, but the extra two weeks could help." The upcoming international window provides a brief...