Martin O'Neill issues Celtic injury update as fan favourite lands positive news and ace fears cleared up
The Celtic boss issued some positive news ahead of their weekend trip to Dundee
As Julian Araujo returned to parent club Bournemouth to receive treatment on a muscle injury, the Mexican was feared to have played his last game for Celtic, however Martin O’Neill claims otherwise.
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s away fixture at Dens Park on Sunday, the Hoops boss believes the defender, who hasn’t featured since the Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox, will still have a part to play in the title race. Midfielder, Arne Engels is also nearing a return after his lengthy sideline. The Belgian has been out for nearly two months with a thigh strain but is now back in training and could feature against Dundee.
Elsewhere, the welcome injury updates keep coming for The Hoops as Auston Trusty and Colby Donovan were seen in training despite their recent scares. Trusty was seen to be struggling in pain towards the end of USA’s friendly with Portugal during the international break, meanwhile Donovan was forced off in the defeat to Dundee United a fortnight ago, after a nasty collision with the advertising boards.
Araujo to return in ‘not-so-distant future’
The Celtic boss said: “I think there was talk about [Auston] Trusty, but he’s going to be okay but I think the problems before the break are still probably there for him. Julian [Araujo] is still recuperating down at Bournemouth. Arne [Engels] has come back now. We’ll see about him. Every day is a good day for him. He’s trained most of the week. I couldn’t rule him in or out.”
When pressed further on the fitness of Araujo specifically, O’Neill responded: “I do yes (think he’ll return before the end of the season). He’s doing fine and recovering well. The physios are obviously keeping in touch with Bournemouth but we expect to see him in in the not-so-distant future.”
Since his loan switch from the south coast, the fullback has slot seamlessly into the starting XI, filling the void of Alistair Johnston, who is also expected to return later this month. His antics against Rangers in March’s Old Firm double-header further enhanced his reputation with the Parkhead faithful.
O’Neill targets first Dundee win
After the pre-international break disaster at Tannadice, O’Neill was added to the list of Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy as Celtic managers to taste defeat in the City of Discovery. The current boss is hoping to break the cycle this weekend. With Celtic playing after title rivals Rangers and Hearts, O’Neill also discussed the psychological impact of the fixture layout.
He continued: “I’ve just been reminded there that all three managers of Celtic this season have lost in Dundee, whether it be Dundee or Dundee United. So I’m going to try and rectify that. We didn’t play well in the game a fortnight ago. We know how difficult it’s going to be this weekend. We’ve got to be ready for it.
“I think if I was to give a real honest answer (about playing last) I’d say it depends on results. That being said, I think psychologically, there is an advantage to playing early, if you get the result. If you don’t, then of course, it opens the way for you. But I’m hoping between now and the end of the season it might work in reverse. but you’ve just got to take care of your own game.
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