Martin O’Neill addresses Julian Araujo absence from Celtic vs Motherwell

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Martin O’Neill has explained why Julian Araujo was left out of Celtic’s team to face Motherwell.

Araujo was the headline absentee from O’Neill’s side for the clash, given that he has been almost ever-present since his move to Glasgow.

Colby Donovan has come in for a first Scottish Premiership start since December 3rd in his place, and he’ll be looking to build on his positive showing in Stuttgart.

The interim Hoops boss discussed Araujo’s absence prior to the match.

Will Celtic regret not inserting an option to buy in their Julian Araujo loan from Bournemouth?

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Celtic boss Martin O’Neill explains Julian Araujo absence

O’Neill told BBC Sportsound: “Yeah, he’s picked up an injury during the course of the week.

“Well, [he] felt very very tight after Sunday’s game as well, too. With a little bit of time, he’s just felt a little bit in the thigh.

READ MORE: Celtic, Kasper Schmeichel and a masterclass in how not to handle an injury

“We thought, ‘Oh, well there’s no point in risking it.’, and just to leave him for today.”

On making changes in general, the interim boss said: “I don’t think in my time, in my two little spells here, I don’t think that we’ve played the same team in two consecutive games.

“There’s a number of reasons for that there, this particular time, it’s to do with injury, you know. We’ve lost the captain, it’s a big big blow to us, obviously.

“Even from last Sunday, we go in with, kind of, a makeshift effort – a makeshift team, but a big, big effort.

“So we have to cope with these things, it’s the nature of the game.”

Araujo has made 13 appearances for Celtic since being signed on loan at the beginning of January, already establishing himself as something of a fan-favourite.

Mexico boss Javier Aguirre says Araujo is on his radar, as a seismic home World Cup edges closer. The 24-year-old will be hoping to return to action sooner rather than later to give him the best possible chance of being involved at the tournament.