Julián Araujo contributes to Mexico’s injury issues ahead of the World Cup

Mexico international Julián Araujo is uncertain for the World Cup after being sidelined for the remainder of the Scottish Premiership season by Celtic manager Martin O’Neill on Friday.

“Julián reinjured himself while under supervision at Bournemouth, which was a significant setback,” O’Neill commented regarding the right-back who is on loan from the Premier League club.

“I only learned about this today … I don’t believe we will see him for the rest of the season. I am unsure about the timeline for his World Cup hopes, but certainly for us, I don’t think we will see him again [this season] if it’s the same injury he has aggravated.”

The U.S.-born defender initially gained recognition with Celtic in 2026 before sustaining a thigh injury last month during a Scottish Cup quarterfinal against Rangers.

Since his arrival in winter, the fullback quickly established himself as a key starter with 13 appearances across all competitions, which included a last-minute game-winner in February.

Although Araujo has not represented Mexico since last summer, and thus was not a certainty for the World Cup, his prospects were improving in a competition for a position that is the most contested in El Tri’s lineup.

Friday’s announcement represents yet another challenge for the broader national team framework, which has been dealing with an increasing number of injury issues.

Earlier in the spring, backup goalkeeper Ángel Malagón and starting midfielder Marcel Ruiz sustained injuries that will prevent them from participating in the World Cup, although some reports suggest that Ruiz may recover in time.

Additionally, key players such as Edson Álvarez, Rodrigo Huescas, and César Huerta have yet to return to action following their own injury concerns over the winter.

Others like Mateo Chávez, Gilberto Mora, Santi Gimenez, and Luis Chávez have made recoveries in recent weeks, but will now have a limited timeframe to regain form ahead of the World Cup.

Alongside Araujo’s injury, Mexico manager Javier Aguirre faces another roster challenge as he prepares for the national team’s tournament opener at home on June 11 against South Africa.

In the group stage, Mexico will also compete against South Korea on June 18 and Czechia on June 24.