(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Sat 21 March 2026 8:30, UK

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Alistair Johnston has returned to full training with his Celtic teammates on Friday ahead of their upcoming clash with Dundee United.

The right-back has made just one appearance since the Champions League defeat to Kairat Almaty way back in August, but he was pictured training alongside his teammates at Lennoxtown on Friday.

Johnston is not ready to return to action with the Hoops just yet, but he will go on international duty as part of the Canada squad next week, as he enters the final stages of his recovery.

There finally appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for the 27-year-old, but that could have a significant knock-on effect on loanee Julian Araujo.

Celtic’s transfer plans have seen the Glasgow outfit show an interest in the idea of a permanent move for the Mexico international this summer, but that now looks set to be put in jeopardy.

Celtic fans must prepare for emotional Julian Araujo departure

The 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.

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.

Supporters have taken to the 24-year-old immensely after a pair of combative and fiery displays against Rangers in recent weeks, but with Johnston returning to become the first choice at right-back once again, it surely puts paid to any hopes of a permanent swoop for him.

Celtic are keen on the idea of keeping Araujo on their books permanently, but there are major concerns regarding the wages that would need to be laid out in order to keep hold of him.

With the former Barcelona man now likely to be little more than a backup option on the right side of the defence, it is surely not worth the club shelling out a significant pay packet for somebody who wouldn’t start that often.

Anthony Ralston also set to be affected

Football 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.