Celtic’s nightmare Sunday on the sand dunes at Tannadice has gone from bad to worse with the news today that Colby Donovan has been forced to withdraw from the Scotland Under 21 squad due to injury…
The young right-back started ahead of Anthony Ralston, who curiously remained an unused substitute in the damaging 2-0 defeat to Dundee United. Donovan went over the advertising hoardings behind the goal as he reached the byeline with Celtic chasing an equaliser. The 19 year-old landed awkwardly and after some treatment was withdrawn with Luke McCowan going into midfield and Reo Hatate dropping back to right-back.
That was costly as Hatate was at sixes and sevens in the build-up to the second and decisive Dundee United goal which leaves Celtic in third spot in the Scottish Premiership race and essentially having to now win all remaining seven games while hoping leaders Hearts drop points elsewhere.
There was more mystery before the game surrounding the Celtic right back personnel with Julian Araujo returning to Bournemouth for treatment for an injury he appears to have picked up, perhaps in training. The rumour mill has been in overdrive regarding the Mexico international full-back who has made a huge impact at Celtic and is very much a fans favourite.
Martin O’Neill seemed to be being deliberately vague when questioned about Arahjo’s situation saying that he could be back at Celtic after the international break. That remains to be seen.
Better news on the injury front concerning Alistair Johnston who has been on the long-term injury list but is now close to a return. With Celtic having eight to possibly nine matches remaining this season (extra one is dependent on beating St Mirren at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final next month) Johnston really needs to get some game-time in ahead of going home to Canada to represent his country in the the World Cup Finals.
Hopefully Colby Donovan’s injury isn’t serious and he too will be available for Celtic in the must win match at Dens Park a week on Sunday against Steven Pressley’s Dundee side.
#SCO21s | Squad update.
IN: Ryan Carr, Josh Dede & Taylor Steven.
OUT: Cameron Bragg, Colby Donovan & Kristi Montgomery.#YoungTeam— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 25, 2026
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