Araujo No Minutes: Europa League Update

Araujo’s Europa League debut Delayed for Celtic’s mexican Defender

celtic’s Mexican defender, Julián Araujo, will have to wait for the next phase of the Europa League to perhaps make his debut for the Scottish club. The delay stems from registration issues, as Araujo was not initially registered for the competition this season.

The 27-year-old defender transferred from Bournemouth and the Premier League seeking increased playing time, and has found opportunities in Scotland with Celtic. However, his participation in the Europa League is contingent on Celtic’s advancement to the next stage.

Did you know?– UEFA rules prevent clubs from registering new players for the Europa League knockout stages after the group stage closes,except under specific circumstances. This impacts Araujo’s immediate eligibility.

Celtic’s Challenging Position in Europa League

Currently, Celtic finds itself in a arduous position within the Europa League standings. As of January 23, 2026, the team occupies twenty-fourth position, placing them last among teams eligible for a playoff spot to reclassify for the round of 16. To advance, Celtic must win their remaining match against Utrecht and hope other results fall in their favor.

Celtic has one remaining match – a home game against Utrecht from the Netherlands – to improve their standing. A successful result is crucial if Araujo is to feature in the competition this season. “His entry can only be given for the next phase, which seems a bit distant if they do not achieve wins in their last matches,” a source close to the team stated.

pro tip– Teams often prioritize domestic league performance during Europa League group stages. Celtic’s focus may have been split, contributing to their current standings and Araujo’s registration delay.

Registration Rules and future Prospects

The regulations surrounding mid-season Europa League registrations prevent Araujo from being added to the squad until the next phase of the tournament. This means that even if Celtic were to advance, Araujo would not be eligible to play in the playoff round. Araujo was signed after the initial registration deadline, making him ineligible for the current stage.

Araujo’s situation highlights the complexities of UEFA’s player registration rules. While he has been actively participating in Celtic’s domestic matches, his European ambitions are currently on hold. The club will undoubtedly be focused on securing a positive result against Utrecht to keep those ambitions alive.