Celtic Receive Positive Jota Injury Update as Portuguese Star Closes in on Return

Celtic winger Jota is reportedly getting closer to a return to competitive action after making progress in his recovery from a serious ACL injury.

The Portuguese forward was initially expected to spend around nine months on the sidelines after suffering the injury during Celtic’s 5-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice in April 2025. Jota was forced to leave the pitch on crutches, but his rehabilitation suffered another setback in January when he required keyhole surgery.

That development ultimately ruled him out for the whole of the 2025/26 campaign. More than 16 months after his last appearance, however, the 27-year-old has now returned to training and is edging closer to making his comeback.

Jota could return to a Celtic squad enjoying a strong spell of form. The Hoops secured a crucial first-leg victory over LASK Linz in their Champions League play-off tie, putting them in a commanding position ahead of next week’s return fixture in Austria.

BBC journalist Tom English believes Celtic could be even stronger if they make a few more additions before the transfer window closes, particularly to reduce their dependence on a handful of important players.

Jota closing in on Celtic comeback

Speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, English discussed Jota’s recovery and suggested that the winger may not be too far away from returning to action.

“Jota is not a million miles away,” English said. “If he comes back anything like he was, Celtic have got some guns. They have got some serious firepower. But there’s still work to do.”

Jota has scored 33 goals across his two spells with Celtic, either side of short-lived moves to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad and French side Rennes.

During his first spell under Ange Postecoglou, Jota formed part of a highly effective attacking unit alongside Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi. A similar partnership with current forwards Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh could give Celtic a formidable attacking threat once the winger regains full fitness.

The Hoops also have additional options in wide areas, with Yang Hyun-jun and Haissem Hassan capable of providing pace and creativity.

Celtic still have room to strengthen

Celtic have invested heavily in their squad this summer, bringing in Duran, Hogh, Hassan and midfielder Mika Baur. Despite that spending, the club remains in overall profit after the departures of Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda to clubs in England.

English believes Celtic should use that financial position to strengthen several areas of the squad before the transfer deadline.

“I think a defensive midfielder is very important for them,” he explained. “They could do with an attacking, creative midfielder. Again, to give people like Callum McGregor a rest. They need a centre-half. They need cover at left-back for Kieran Tierney for sure.”

He also highlighted the goalkeeper position, despite Viljami Sinisalo making a strong impression and appearing to be building a case to become Celtic’s first-choice option.

According to English, another goalkeeper would still be a sensible addition, meaning Celtic could potentially target reinforcements in as many as five positions.

With the club still operating at a net profit despite spending around £27 million on new players, English feels Celtic have the financial flexibility to continue strengthening their squad in the coming days.

The prospect of Jota returning to full fitness, combined with further additions to the squad, could give Celtic an even stronger platform as they push for Champions League qualification and prepare for another demanding season.