Alistair Johnston back in Celtic training, this is what it could mean for Julian Araujo’s future
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(Credit: Imago) Sat 21 March 2026 8:30, UK Alistair Johnston has returned to full training with his Celtic teammates on Friday ahead of their upcoming clash with Dundee United. VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Celtic fans must prepare for emotional Julian Araujo departureThe fact that Johnston’s recovery is continuing to progress well is huge news for Celtic, as he was excellent for them from start to finish last season.
They have desperately missed the former Montreal man this term, and getting him back to fitness in time for him to get a proper pre-season under his belt will be invaluable for them ahead of next term. Johnston (2024-25)StatsAraujo (2025-26)32Apps1014Goal Contributions11.64Chances Created per 901.140.34Successful Dribbles per 900.691.61Tackles per 901.943.9Duels Won per 904.8Johnston’s 2024-25 Premiership stats compared to Araujo’s in 2025-26, as per Fotmob.However, news of Johnston’s recovery reaching its final stages has surely put Bhoys fans in a position where they must prepare to say an emotional goodbye to Araujo at the end of his loan spell from Bournemouth.
Anthony Ralston also set to be affectedFootball Insider revealed back in February that Celtic would happily let Anthony Ralston leave ahead of next season, and Johnston’s return to training has surely just forced him further towards the exit door.The veteran is already behind Araujo and impressive youngster Colby Donovan in the pecking order, and he will undoubtedly also find himself behind Johnston next season.The Bhoys are set to allow the 27-year-old to decide his own fate for next season, but he will surely be tempted by the idea of a move elsewhere, given how difficult it will be for him to get any form of regular gametime. With Araujo looking increasingly likely to be playing his football away from Celtic Park next term, the same could also be said for Ralston, provided that Johnston doesn’t break down in the final steps of his recovery.