GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 03: An aerial view of Celtic Park during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Rangers at Celtic Park, on January 03, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
April 18, 2026
There are moments in a season when the focus shifts away from tactics and team selection, and lands squarely on the human side of the game.
Celtic are heading into a must win clash against St Mirren with everything on the line, but behind the scenes, one story has quietly taken a different turn.
It is the kind of update that does not arrive with noise, yet carries real weight. A player who had started to win hearts at Parkhead is suddenly no longer part of the immediate picture. Not because of form, not because of selection, but because his season has been cut short at the worst possible time.
And now, his next move has been confirmed.
Julian Araujo will not play for Celtic again this season due to injury, bringing an abrupt end to his short spell in Glasgow after just 12 appearances.
It is a frustrating outcome, especially considering how quickly he had connected with the supporters through his energy and commitment on the pitch.
But while Celtic prepare for a crucial semi final at Hampden, Araujo has already made a decisive step of his own.
Julian Araujo returns to Mexico’s High Performance Centre after Celtic injury:
As reported by Estadio Deportes, Araujo has travelled back to Mexico, linking up with the Centro de Alto Rendimiento in Mexico City.
This is not a simple recovery period. It is a calculated push. A final effort to get himself back into contention ahead of a home World Cup that is fast approaching.
Mexico are set to host matches for the first time since 1986, competing in Group A with fixtures against South Africa and Czechia in Mexico City, along with a game against South Korea in Guadalajara.
Araujo has not featured for his country in nine months, with his last appearance coming in a CONCACAF Gold Cup clash against Honduras. With Mexico already qualified as co hosts, their schedule has been limited to friendlies during that time.
Still, he remains firmly in the thoughts of those in charge.
His international manager Javier Aguirre confirmed recent contact between them.
Aguirre said: “It’s true that I also spoke with Julian Araujo, who is currently doing well in Scotland.
“Right back is a position where I have many options.
“We have Rodrigo Huescas at FC Copenhagen too and I want to see our players in Europe in the future.”
Araujo has earned 16 caps since committing to Mexico at youth level, choosing to represent his family’s heritage over the United States.
Back in Glasgow, Celtic must now move forward without him as they head into a defining stretch of the campaign. The timing is far from ideal, especially with a high stakes encounter against St Mirren on the horizon.
For Araujo, though, the focus is clear. His season at Celtic may be over, but a far bigger stage still lies ahead.
