Julian Araujo may be on his way back to Celtic sooner than supporters expected, with him posting another cryptic Instagram story on Wednesday evening. The defender took to his story to post a black-and-white photograph of himself in the hoops, with an hourglass emoji, hinting that he could be close to a return.
This is brilliant news for the fans and the team, who both felt the loss of him against Dundee United, when Martin O'Neill's side suffered a horrendous 2-0 loss at Tannadice. Colby Donovan played that game at right-back, but the young Scot also picked up an injury during that game, meaning we saw the match out with Reo Hatate slotting into defence. A sight that supporters never want to see again.
We started to think we may have to look to Anthony Ralston, who hasn't started a game for the Celts since January against Rangers, but thankfully, the in-form Mexican is on his way back sooner than expected.
Before the international break, Martin O'Neill said:
"He's missing, he's down, and he's getting treatment and being rehabbed at his football club in Bournemouth. Will he be available after the international break? I'm not sure. I'm not sure, but the extra two weeks could help."
Some supporters were starting to accept the fact that his time in Glasgow may have been over sooner than we all thought, but thankfully, that isn't the case.
Araujo coming back into the frame leaves Celtic in a good position
Araujo coming back into the picture leaves Celtic in a fantastic position. Not only do we have him back in time for the important final stage of the season that could still see the Hoops win the Scottish Premiership title, but Alistair Johnston is also close to his return, and has been in training this week. The Canadian was also called up for his national team, but will not play for them, only train. That is still a positive sign though, so hopefully he'll return to action soon.
With a game against Dundee on April 5, having options at right-back is a must. If Araujo misses that fixture, he will hopefully be back in time for the game on April 11, when the Hoops make their return to Parkhead to take on St Mirren.
O'Neill's side will need to bounce back from the loss on the road last time out, and quickly. Hopefully, two weeks off will do the squad some good and they can come back firing on all cylinders when domestic football returns next month.