Jota could finally be on the verge of a competitive Celtic comeback on Sunday, with Motherwell due at Fir Park and the winger’s long injury absence nearing its end. After approximately 18 months out with a serious knee injury, the possibility of a return has become a real talking point as Celtic look for a lift after three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
Martin O’Neill said there is “every possibility” Jota could be involved, which is the clearest sign yet that the winger is close enough to contention to be considered for Premiership action. That does not guarantee a place in the team, but it does suggest Celtic are at least weighing up whether he can be part of the squad in a match that already carries added pressure.
What the recent clues suggest
Jota has already taken an important step by completing 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Falkirk. For a player working back from a serious knee injury, that is a meaningful checkpoint rather than a final answer. The next question is whether he is ready for the demands of a real match and whether Celtic want to use him now or give him a little more time.
The timing matters because Celtic have a few selection uncertainties elsewhere. Cameron Carter-Vickers missed training on Friday while managing a strain, while Yang Hyun-jun was also absent after his involvement in South Korea’s successful Asian Games campaign. Landon Emenalo also appears too early for involvement, which adds to the sense that Celtic are still dealing with some moving parts heading into Sunday.
That uncertainty is especially relevant given the recent results. Celtic’s three-match losing run has created a different mood around the team, and the club’s tactical setup may also change after an unsuccessful experiment against Rangers. In that context, even the possibility of Jota returning feels important because it gives Celtic another option on the wing and another experienced attacking presence to consider.
Why Jota’s return matters
For Celtic, this is about more than one player coming back from injury. Jota was out for a long stretch, and long absences can affect rhythm, confidence and the way a manager plans around a squad. If he is involved against Motherwell, it would be a notable milestone in his recovery and a potentially useful boost for a team looking to steady itself quickly.
Even if Jota does not start, his availability alone changes the conversation. Celtic have had recent injury uncertainty in defence and on the wings, and that is where his name stands out most. A player who has been unavailable for around 18 months is not usually discussed as a short-term fix, but in a week like this, any added depth can matter.
Sunday will therefore tell Celtic a lot. If Jota is in the squad, it will be a sign that his comeback is close. If he is left out, the club may simply be taking the cautious route. Either way, his return has moved from a distant hope to a genuine possibility, and that is a notable development for Celtic at a sensitive point in the season.
