Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Jota could return to Celtic action sooner than initially expected as the winger continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury.
CeltsAreHere reported yesterday that Celtic are targeting an early October return to the matchday squad for the Portuguese attacker.
Jota has been progressing well and is believed to be ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation, although he remains short of full match fitness and sharpness after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Hoops are hoping to begin integrating him back into matchday squads after the October international break, with the 26-year-old ahead of schedule after facing setbacks earlier this year.
“Jota might be ready more quickly than I thought. He’s coming along very well,” O’Neill said to SunSport.
“It’s been a long time, but he’s been doing really well in small-sided matches he’s been involved in.
“Jota’s not been stretched too much yet but that will come for him over this month.”
Even if Jota is fit and available by early October, he will not be able to face his former club Benfica in the Europa League.
The Portuguese winger was not included in Celtic’s Europa League squad, meaning he will have to wait for another opportunity to make his European return.
Celtic fans can’t wait to see him back out on the pitch wearing the Hoops, dazzling on the wing. If he does make it back in early October, that could see him feature against Motherwell, where he made his debut and scored in his first game back at the club under Brendan Rodgers.
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