Reports suggesting Jota has suffered a fresh setback in his recovery have started to circulate, but there is little to indicate anything has changed from the timeline already outlined by Celtic.
The 27-year-old did not feature during the 2025/26 campaign as he continues his recovery from the ACL injury that has kept him out for 15 months.
His last appearance came in April 2025 when Celtic wrapped up the Premiership title in style with a 5-0 victory over Dundee United.
There is no doubt his rehabilitation has been far from straightforward. Jota has faced complications during his recovery and has consulted specialists as he works towards getting back on the pitch.
The latest rumours claim he will now be sidelined until around Halloween.
That, however, is not new information.
Jota remains some distance away from returning to training, but there is nothing to suggest he has suffered another setback in recent days despite the speculation doing the rounds.
It is an important distinction.
Recovering from an ACL injury is rarely a straightforward process, particularly when complications arise along the way. That does not mean every report of a delayed return points to a fresh problem.
Celtic supporters will understandably be desperate to see him back. His return to the club in January 2025 generated genuine excitement after everything he achieved during his first spell in Glasgow.
His quality in the final third, his ability to beat defenders and his connection with the support have all been badly missed while he has been working his way back to fitness.
The hope inside Celtic will be that Jota can finally put the difficult months behind him and continue progressing towards a return later this year. If the current timeline holds, supporters can begin looking towards the autumn rather than worrying about reports that suggest something has changed when, in reality, there is no evidence that it has.
Celtic should sue sfa for allowing the game at a sand pit dundee utd should made to play there home matches some where but tannadice it was disgrace all season i fear for next season you can’t ask professional players to perform at there best on that on that pitch fines have to be dished out dens park is 500 meters away and that is playable so no excuse
All spl pitches should be in top condition and ban artificial pitches” grass only and in top condition.