Celtic risk Jota 'disaster' after 'behind-the-scenes' move

Jota played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week, his first involvement since April, but experts warn Celtic must manage his ACL recovery carefully to avoid setbacks.

Celtic winger Jota stepped up his recovery from a career-threatening ACL injury with a 45-minute appearance in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Falkirk last week, marking his first involvement in any game since April 2025. Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness has warned that Celtic risk triggering a "disaster" if they rush the Portuguese forward back into competitive action too soon. Wyness believes Jota is still in the early stages of recovery and likely needs up to six months more before returning to full fitness, with the player expected to play only a minor role for the rest of the campaign.