Celtic Football Club has been dealt a significant blow following news that forward Jota is facing complications with a recent knee injury, casting serious doubt over his return to action this season — and possibly beyond. The Portuguese winger, who has been instrumental in Celtic’s attacking play since rejoining the club, sustained the injury during the first half of the team’s emphatic 5-0 win over Dundee United. He was forced to leave the pitch in the 35th minute after an awkward fall, and initial signs already pointed to a potentially serious issue.
Jota was later seen on the sidelines wearing a leg brace and using crutches, fueling speculation among supporters and analysts alike that the injury was more severe than initially feared. Medical staff at Celtic Park have since conducted further assessments, and although the club has yet to release a formal diagnosis, insiders suggest that the forward may be facing a prolonged period on the sidelines.
What makes the situation even more concerning for Celtic is the timing. The Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen looms large on May 24, and Jota’s availability is now in major doubt. The Portuguese star has been a central figure in Celtic’s attacking arsenal, providing both goals and creativity since his return from Rennes in the January transfer window. In just 16 appearances, he has managed to score five goals and assist several others, quickly re-establishing himself as a fan favourite at Parkhead.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has remained tight-lipped about the full extent of the injury, but did acknowledge in a recent press briefing that the medical team is “closely monitoring” the situation and that further updates will be shared “when the time is right.” While Rodgers stopped short of confirming the worst-case scenario, his cautious tone did little to allay growing fears that the winger’s injury could extend into the early part of next season.
Behind the scenes, Celtic’s medical department is reportedly working around the clock to determine the most effective course of action for Jota. If surgery is required, the recovery timeline could easily stretch to several months. Even without surgery, a ligament injury or cartilage damage in the knee typically requires extensive rehabilitation and carries the risk of recurring issues if not managed meticulously.
Jota’s injury comes at a particularly frustrating moment for Celtic, who recently clinched their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title. The injury puts a dampener on the celebrations, as fans had hoped to see the team at full strength heading into the summer’s domestic finale and upcoming European qualifiers.
In the short term, Rodgers will need to explore alternative attacking options, with the likes of Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda, and James Forrest likely to be called upon more heavily. The manager has previously spoken of the depth in his squad, but losing a player of Jota’s calibre — especially during such a crucial phase of the season — is undeniably a setback.
For Jota himself, the timing of the injury is also deeply unfortunate. Having left Al Ittihad and endured a difficult spell in the Saudi Pro League, his return to Glasgow was seen as a fresh start. He had been regaining rhythm and confidence, and many viewed his performances as key to Celtic’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
As the club waits for a definitive prognosis, fans continue to express their support for the winger across social media. The hope now is that Jota can recover fully, without complications, and return to the pitch stronger than ever — though patience will be required as the medical picture becomes clearer in the weeks ahead.
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