Jota is scheduled to return to Celtic action this month, a timely boost for a side looking to bounce back from a difficult run of form. The 27-year-old Portuguese winger has been sidelined for 17 months since rupturing his ACL during a 5-0 win at Dundee United in April 2025, an injury that occurred on the same day the club clinched the league title.
Manager Martin O'Neill has indicated the player's recovery is progressing well. "Jota might be ready more quickly than I thought," O'Neill said. "He’s coming along very well." The initial return timetable had pointed towards Halloween, but the player is now taking part in small-sided matches and a behind-closed-doors friendly is being arranged to aid his match fitness.
A long road back
Jota's absence has far exceeded the original nine-month estimate due to setbacks in his rehabilitation. He was sold to Al-Ittihad in 2023 for £25 million but re-signed for Celtic last year. After spending much of his recovery in Lisbon, he returned to training with the club in July. He has made 127 appearances for Celtic, scoring 26 goals, and his creativity has been a significant miss.
His potential return comes at a critical juncture. Celtic sit top of the Premiership with 18 points from seven games but have lost their last three matches. This run includes a 3-0 defeat at Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup, a 1-0 home loss to Rangers in the league on September 20, and a 3-1 Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros.
The immediate focus is on the trip to face Motherwell on October 11. A fit-again Jota could provide the spark needed to reignite Celtic's season and consolidate their two-point lead at the summit. The full schedule ahead of that match is available on our fixtures page.
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