Celtic fans have been handed a significant boost as winger Jota edges closer to a return from his lengthy ACL injury nightmare.
The Portuguese attacker has endured over 16 months on the sidelines following a serious cruciate ligament injury that derailed his season.
Jota first picked up the injury at Tannadice in April 2025, leaving the ground on crutches after Celtic’s dominant 5-0 victory over Dundee United.
The 27-year-old was initially expected to be sidelined for nine months, a timeline that offered hope of a return before the season’s conclusion.
However, a setback in January 2026 required keyhole surgery, effectively ruling him out for the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign.
Despite that difficult period, Jota has recently returned to training and is reportedly not “a million miles away” from full fitness.
Celtic are targeting an early October return to matchday squads as the club monitors his progress carefully and with considerable encouragement.
The club are pleased with how his recovery is progressing, with reports indicating he is currently tracking ahead of his revised schedule.
Despite the positive signs, Celtic have no intention of rushing Jota back, given the severity of his injury and the extended time he has spent out.
The current plan involves integrating him gradually after the October international break, rather than throwing him straight into heavy minutes immediately.
Celtic are also considering using Jota selectively around domestic fixtures to help manage the workload of players involved in midweek European games.
His return would represent a major lift for manager Brendan Rodgers, who has seen the fan favourite absent for a prolonged stretch of competitive football.
Jota remains one of the most popular players in the Celtic squad, and supporters have eagerly anticipated any update on his recovery timeline.
The club’s cautious but optimistic approach reflects a determination to ensure the winger returns to full sharpness before being exposed to the demands of regular action.
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