Julián Araujo Returns to Mexico for World Cup Recovery Amid Injury Concerns
Julián Araujo has returned to Mexico to focus on recovering from a thigh injury as he fights to earn a spot in Mexico’s 2026 World Cup squad. The Mexican national team’s final roster will be announced this Friday, April 24, 2026, with Aguilar’s health remaining a key uncertainty for head coach Javier Aguirre.
The right-back from Celtic FC has been dealing with muscular discomfort since mid-March. Initially thought to be minor, the club confirmed a strain in his quadriceps, prompting Araujo to leave Europe and return to Mexico for rehabilitation under the supervision of the Mexican Football Federation’s medical staff. His goal is to heal in time for consideration in the final squad selection.
The recovery timeline overlaps with Mexico’s World Cup preparation activities, leaving his participation in the tournament uncertain. Despite being one of Aguirre’s options for the right-back position, it appears increasingly unlikely that Araujo will be available for the World Cup this summer.
Aguirre’s technical staff continues to monitor Araujo’s progress closely. According to reports, the player remains committed to following his rehabilitation process in Mexico to maintain his chances of appearing in the final World Cup roster.
Araujo, who plays as a right-back, has earned 16 caps for the Mexican national team since his debut in December 2021. He has previously represented Mexico in competitions such as the CONCACAF Nations League and the CONCACAF Gold Cup, winning bronze in the 2023 Nations League and gold in the 2023 and 2025 Gold Cups.
His club career includes stints with LA Galaxy, FC Barcelona, and a loan spell at UD Las Palmas before joining AFC Bournemouth and subsequently moving on loan to Celtic FC in 2026. Araujo currently wears the number 28 jersey for the Scottish Premiership side.
The Mexican Football Federation has not released an official update on Araujo’s medical status as of this reporting. Fans and analysts alike are waiting for the final squad announcement on Friday to learn whether the defender will build the cut for the 2026 World Cup.
Stay tuned for updates on Julián Araujo’s recovery and Mexico’s World Cup preparations as the April 24 roster announcement approaches.
