Celtic winger Jota is on course for an early return from a serious knee injury that has kept him out for 18 months. The 27-year-old Portuguese attacker, who suffered a cruciate injury at Tannadice in April 2025, is now training on the Lennoxtown pitch with his comeback potentially arriving before his original Halloween schedule.
Manager Martin O'Neill provided the positive update, as reported by the Daily Record. "He's coming along very well," O'Neill said. "Again, it's disappointing to not have him for Europe." This news arrives as Celtic sit first in the Premiership with a perfect record of five wins from five games, holding a three-point lead over Heart of Midlothian.
When could Jota return to action?
Jota's initial recovery timeline pointed towards a return around late October. However, his presence in training sessions suggests he may be available sooner. The club will manage his reintegration carefully given the severity of the injury and the lengthy absence. His return cannot come soon enough for a squad that will be without other options on the left flank for several weeks, with Yang Hyun-jun away on international duty at the Asian Games.
Despite his progress, Jota will miss several key upcoming fixtures. He is ruled out of the double-header with Rangers, the Europa League opener against Ferencvaros, and the Premiership trip to face St Johnstone. Fans can track the team's packed schedule on the club's official fixtures page.
Who is covering the left wing in his absence?
In Jota's continued absence, other players have stepped up. Haissem Hassan has made an impact on the left flank, recently managing 70 minutes in a 2-1 win at St Mirren. "He's certainly entertaining," O'Neill noted of Hassan. "He's going past players and likes a bit of entertainment. We'll see what happens. It's a balance."
Further reinforcements are nearing returns. Kasper Hogh is edging towards a comeback from a thigh issue and could be an option for the St Johnstone match, though he may be held back for the weekend's Premier Sports Cup clash at Ibrox. Kieran Tierney is nursing a similar knock. New recruit Landon Emenalo is also out but could return within the next week, while Alistair Johnston is expected to be fit after the international break in mid-October. The latest availability status for all players is listed on the injuries page.
What does this mean for Celtic's strong start?
The potential early return of a player of Jota's quality represents a significant boost for a team already in formidable form. Celtic have scored 13 goals while conceding only three in their five league matches, building a commanding +10 goal difference. Adding a fit and firing Jota to an attack with that kind of productivity is a prospect that will excite supporters.
His creativity and direct running have been missed, particularly in European competition. O'Neill's comments about wishing he had Jota available for the final three Europa League group games last season underline his importance in big matches. The team's current position at the summit of the standings provides a solid platform to integrate him without undue pressure.
Celtic's next challenge is a home match against St Johnstone on December 5th. The visitors currently sit 7th in the table, and the fixture offers another opportunity for the league leaders to extend their impressive run before the anticipated return of their star winger.
