Celtic’s 3–1 win over Motherwell came with one surprise before kick-off. Julián Araujo was missing from the matchday squad despite having played in recent matches, and there had been little indication beforehand that the defender was carrying a problem.
The Mexican full-back had featured during the recent run of fixtures and has been part of the rotation at right-back. When the team sheet appeared without his name, it raised questions about whether the absence was tactical or injury related.
Celtic had already been managing several fitness concerns across the squad. Arne Engels has been working his way back from injury and Callum McGregor also missed the match, which meant changes were required in midfield. The defensive setup also had to adjust without Araujo available.
O’Neill suggested the problem might not keep the defender out for long, although he admitted the situation can change quickly when it comes to injuries.
He said: (TCW), “Julian, I’m hoping that he should be alright for next week.
“The answer is, I don’t know if you think I should, but things seem to change all the time.
“I didn’t realise that, for instance, even Kasper trained yesterday. Yeah, he’s definitely got a bit of a problem with it. You’re hoping that it wouldn’t have been as long as he’s suggesting. But we’ll see where we are.
“Julian’s had a bit of a thigh strain, it’s one of those, you’re hoping it’s not going to be as serious as Arne.
“But it may be, so I can’t give you any… And I seem to just contradict myself most of the time. So by Tuesday, I’ll have a totally different update. And you’ll think to yourself, is he trying to play games? The answer is, I’m not, I just genuinely don’t know.
“And sometimes, like myself, when I wasn’t having a really great time, I picked up an injury along the way, generally driving. So it was a bit of a problem. I know how players feel.”
Injuries can be hard to judge at this stage of a season. Players often try to train through small problems, and the final decision on whether they play sometimes comes right before kick-off.
When he has played, Araujo has given Celtic pace on the right side. His runs forward stretch defences and his early crosses offer another route into the box when opponents sit deep.
O’Neill will look at the situation again before the next match. If Araujo feels comfortable in training he could return quickly. If the thigh problem lingers, someone else will have to fill the role until he is ready.
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