The Portuguese fan favourite is nearing a return to match fitness following an ACL injury he picked against Dundee United in April 2025. Having featured for 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk during the international break, manager Martin O’Neill reckons Jota will feel like a new signing once he returns.
The 27-year old remains a popular figure in the East End of Glasgow after his heroic first spell at the club, which culminated in 28 goals in 83 appearances – and five major honours. Amid a difficult period for the squad, the management side may be tempted to thrust their starboy back into the action as quickly as possible – but former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness thinks if Celtic play to the crowd that it could be a ‘disaster’.
He told Football Insider: “Well, let’s put this in real perspective. A 45-minute cameo in a behind-closed-doors game is probably one step in the next 20 steps in terms of his recovery. After a long 18-month layoff, you’re looking at six months to get a proper recovery now. If the board and O’Neill rush him back trying to gain some kudos with the fans, that’ll be a disaster.
“Not only for the player, but also for any resale value for the asset going forward. They’ve really got to wrap him in cotton wool and take this on properly. There’s no doubt he’s a talent, but they’ve got to do this right, and they can’t rush things at all. I would expect him just to play a very minor role this season, and I hope he gets stronger and comes back. But nothing else can be done apart from that, in my view.”
Manager O’Neill hasn’t had a proper chance to work with the winger just yet.placeholder image
The international break allowed more time for the winger to recover, as well as Hoops defender Alistair Johnston and striker Callum Osmand, who are both also set to return following injuries. In an interview with CelticPlayer, O’Neill confirmed that he is excited for Jota’s return. He said: J”ota had 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk last Friday, and that was nice, that was really good. Alistair Johnson’s on the grass now and young Callum Osmand is doing the same as well, so that’s encouraging.
“A couple of other injuries are a bit further behind but we’re making progress. With Jota, I’d have to go back and look at videos of him, they tell me he was terrific before he headed out to Saudi, came back, picked up the injury, so it’s been a long time. That will definitely – I know it’s an old cliché – that definitely will feel like a new player coming to the club, as far as I’m concerned anyway.”
Celtic board and Martin O’Neill issued warning over returning star as playing to crowd would be a ‘disaster’
The Celtic board and Martin O’Neill have been warned not to rush winger Jota back to action after an 18-month absence.
The Portuguese fan favourite is nearing a return to match fitness following an ACL injury he picked against Dundee United in April 2025. Having featured for 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk during the international break, manager Martin O’Neill reckons Jota will feel like a new signing once he returns.
The 27-year old remains a popular figure in the East End of Glasgow after his heroic first spell at the club, which culminated in 28 goals in 83 appearances – and five major honours. Amid a difficult period for the squad, the management side may be tempted to thrust their starboy back into the action as quickly as possible – but former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness thinks if Celtic play to the crowd that it could be a ‘disaster’.
Winger is a fan favourite at Celtic Park.placeholder image
