Julian Araujo injury: Stats show why Colby Donovan is perfect long-term replacement
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Credit: Imago Sat 11 April 2026 6:30, UK Julian Araujo’s season-ending injury has put Celtic in a tight spot going into the final games of the season.The full-back had impressed on loan from Bournemouth, and there was even talk of him signing permanently.However, it now appears that he has played his final game in a Celtic shirt, with Araujo unable to return from the sidelines before the end of the 2025-26 campaign.Yet, this is unlikely to affect the Hoops’ title ambitions massively, with Colby Donovan capable of filling the role when he returns from injury at the end of the month.The defender has multiple outstanding stats that will ensure Celtic can still lift the trophy by the end of the season. ⚽ Celtic Matchday ⚽ >Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Hoops fixture. VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Many of Colby Donovan’s stats are better than Julian Araujo’sDonovan has rarely been given moments to shine this season, often being used loosely by the Hoops’ managers.However, after Araujo’s injury last month, he has now started the last three Celtic games, impressing in each.Stats per 90 minutesColby DonovanJulian AraujoAssists 0.290.00Passing accuracy 85%88.2%Successful crosses0.870.46Successful dribbles0.730.69Aerial duels won 75%35.5%Defensive contributions 8.436.40Donovan betters Araujo in many stats.
Credit: FotmobAs a result, Donovan now boasts plenty of incredible stats in the Scottish Premiership this season.Per 90 minutes, he is averaging 0.29 assists, an 85 per cent passing accuracy, 0.87 successful crosses, 0.73 successful dribbles, a 75 per cent aerial duels win rate and 8.43 defensive contributions.Many of these stats are far better than Araujo’s, despite the Bournemouth loanee often being preferred.Therefore, there is every chance that Donovan’s inclusion in the starting XI will be more impactful and could win the club even more points.Will Donovan be at Celtic next season?Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Donovan could be loaned out by Celtic next season.The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Celtic Park, and it is understood that he remains very highly-regarded behind the scenes at the club after his recent displays.However, the Bhoys could be tempted to send the youngster out to get further first-team experience next term, with sources indicating that they could be prepared to sanction a loan exit if they are well-stocked at right-back.Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if Donovan’s performances are able to tempt Celtic to keep hold of him for the upcoming season and continue to give him first-team chances.