Well, that Celtic nightmare showing at Tannadice was a real let-down. It’s badly knocked the thought that a title win could still be on the cards. The performance was so bad that it's not just the defeat and the loss of three points that hurt. It’s as hard as it is to see those players picking themselves up for the remaining matches.
Lots of things were missing on Sunday. In particular, a bit of fight and passion seemed very absent. Notably, Julian Araujo was again missing, and he can usually be relied upon to bring a spark and energy. Rumours and stories have spread suggesting all sorts of issues around the player. The most sensible being that he is back at Bournemouth for treatment on an injury.
That seemed to suggest to many that we had seen the last of Araujo in a Celtic shirt, for this season at least. Hopes still linger of making his loan into a permanent deal for next season, though wages could be a big issue in making that happen. Time will tell in that front; more importantly, for now, is whether he will return to play again this season.
Could there be better news for Celtic re Araujo?
There is a glimmer of hope in that. His Bournemouth teammate and ex-Celt Ryan Christie has been talking about Araujo and his time in Glasgow. As the Scottish Sun reports Christie reckons Araujo is having a great time in Scotland and relishing the intensity. This bodes well for the player wanting to return.
Christie also spoke of seeing the player back at Bournemouth a few days ago. We saw the Celtic players in a variety of locations, enjoying a day or two off last week. So a trip back home for Araujo isn't that odd. Christie then said, “Julian’s picked up a wee knock but he’s desperate to get fit again as soon as he can and get back playing,” which sounds much more encouraging on the injury front.
While Alistair Johnston is back with the squad training, a full return to the starting line-up is likely a bit away yet. Colby Donovan does well at times, but is still developing. So Celtic could really do with Araujo back and fit to play again.
The news from Christie, combined with a long international break, perhaps makes Araujo’s situation less worrying than many have suggested. We’ll have to wait for more official news to confirm the situation though. This crazy, mixed-up and injury-hit season makes anything seem possible. Let's see if that can still include retaining the league title at Celtic. Araujo’s passion may well still help in that.