Jota Faces extended absence as Celtic prepare for Champions League return

Celtic winger Jota will miss his side’s crucial Champions League play-off tie in August and is unlikely to feature again until November at the earliest.

The 27-year-old Portuguese international is currently in his homeland continuing rehabilitation after suffering setbacks in his recovery from a serious ACL injury. 

The knee damage occurred during a 5-0 victory over Dundee United in April 2025, the match that clinched the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership title under then-manager Brendan Rodgers.

Since that triumph, Celtic have enjoyed further success, securing another league title and the Scottish Cup in an impressive campaign under Martin O’Neill. 

However, Jota has been absent throughout O’Neill’s second spell in charge. He has not played a single minute during this period and would only feature for the Northern Irishman again if O’Neill is reappointed, one of several options currently under consideration by the Celtic board.

Whoever takes charge at the start of the new season will have to plan without Jota’s creativity and goal threat initially. 

When questioned about the player’s readiness for the upcoming campaign, O’Neill offered a cautious and somewhat pessimistic outlook.

Now sidelined for 13 months, Jota’s prolonged recovery has raised concerns, though O’Neill has sought to downplay fears over the winger’s long-term career prospects.

The attacker originally returned to Celtic in January 2025 on a five-and-a-half-year contract after an unsuccessful stint at Saudi club Al-Ittihad and a brief spell with Rennes.

 Upon rejoining the Hoops, he made an immediate impact, scoring five goals in 16 appearances before the injury struck in a 50-50 challenge with Dundee United’s Allan Campbell at Tannadice.

Celtic fans will hope for positive updates on Jota’s recovery as the club prepares for another demanding domestic and European schedule.