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    Home»Injury News»Worrying rumblings regarding Jota, we can only hope they are not true
    Injury News

    Worrying rumblings regarding Jota, we can only hope they are not true

    When will we see our Superstar from Portugal back in action for Celtic?
    Mark DixonBy Mark DixonJuly 9, 20261 Comment4 Mins Read
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    Jota of Celtic celebrates
    Jota of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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    The online world is awash with rumblings of our very own Jota, and his apparent struggle to fully recover from the ACL injury that’s plagued him for the past 15 months or so…

    Jota of Celtic receives treatment
    Jota of Celtic receives treatment before leaving the field during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United FC and Celtic FC at Tannadice on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

    The Superstar from Portugal has been absent from the side since suffering an ACL injury against Dundee United at Tannadice in April 2025, the day we clinched our fourth successive league title.

    Despite an original recovery period of nine months or so, he’s still nowhere to be seen, with even light training duties seeming a long way off.

    It was revealed at the tail end of last season, that the former Portuguese under 21 attacker had his rehabilitation pushed back, which was the first sign that he was badly struggling with the issue. That pushed his estimated time to return to training back from this pre-season towards Halloween time and now it could be even longer, perhaps into 2027.

    Jota of Celtic receives treatment
    Jota of Celtic receives treatment before leaving the field during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United FC and Celtic FC at Tannadice on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

    With still no sign or indeed word of when the man we received £25 million for in 2023, before re-signing him 18 months later for £8 million will be back on a football pitch, it’s rather worrying to be honest. Especially with no regular updates on his situation.

    It’s not just the nature of his injury, but his overall fitness, as he’s missed a huge chunk of first team football since his mega money move to Saudi side AI-Ittihad.

    Head Coach Brendan Rodgers of Celtic FC speaks with Jota of Celtic FC
    Head Coach Brendan Rodgers of Celtic FC speaks with Jota of Celtic FC at the end of the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Celtic at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

    The 27 year old has played just under 60 first team games in that time, having fell out of favour in the Gulf State, with a short spell in France with Rennes also of the disappointing variety, before he landed back in Glasgow.

    Despite showing glimpses of his old self, it was crystal clear that Jota needed a run of games to build his fitness, before he suffered his unfortunate injury at Tannadice.

    Jota of Celtic celebrates
    Jota of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mate Reo Hatate during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic at Tannadice on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

    With rumblings of his career now being in doubt, it only intensifies our concerns over his situation. Let’s hope for some clarity one way or another, and soon. And hopefully it’s positive news. Having Jota in his prime back playing the beautiful game beautifully at Paradise is just what the doctor ordered. Hopefully it co

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    Mark Dixon

    An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Shorts colleagues.

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    1 Comment

    1. Johnno on July 9, 2026 12:11 pm

      Despite the rumours, we can only really think about the Halloween date MoN gave, but that won’t cover, what type of returning player we might get from jota eventually imo?

      At present, would be a total longshot for Jota to be in the plans of MoN, for his 25man European squad?
      This despite, if his return date is accurate, there would be 4 matches left within the league phase of European competition?
      And with the Asian tournament in January, potentially Yang could be unavailable for those last 2 matches in the European league phase?

      So, already MoN has to give some thought to that potential decision?
      At best, I still think that Jota will be more so, a 2nd half of next season hopefully?
      Even then, he could be considered as 1 of our 3 changes allowed, within European competition, but obviously dependant upon how we get on within the league phase?

      Therefore, would say this coming season, is in the make or break territory, regarding the future of Jota?
      Hopefully he can return, and make a big impact for ourselves?
      But must admit to be thinking, we have already possibly seen the best of Jota wearing our jersey now imo?

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