Celtic gain a boost as Jota returns, but O’Neill faces a dilemma

In the quiet of Celtic’s training ground on Friday, the Portuguese winger Jota completed a 45‑minute spell against Falkirk, marking his first competitive‑style appearance in roughly 18 months. Celtic Handed Huge Boost as Jota Returns After the long lay‑off, yet Months Should O’Neill Risk Rushing Him Back?

First competitive minutes after long lay‑off

The 45‑minute cameo came in a behind‑closed‑doors win over Falkirk on Friday, marking Jota’s first competitive‑style outing since his injury. Celtic see the Portuguese winger as a timely attacking boost amid a period of inconsistency. Martin O’Neill now has an extra option on the right flank.

Former defender Charlie Mulgrew, speaking at the Tennent’s Sixes, praised the return. “Jota is such a top player – it will be huge to see him back,” he said, adding that it feels like “having a new signing”. Mulgrew explained his son Joshua, who trains in Celtic’s academy, watched Jota train with the first‑team squad during the international break and reported he looked “really well”.

O’Neill urged to manage return carefully

Jota’s comeback follows a devastating ACL rupture suffered against Dundee United at Tannadice in April 2025. The injury sidelined him for roughly 18 months, keeping him away from any competitive action. His gradual return now signals a major personal milestone after a prolonged period of rehabilitation.

Martin O’Neill has struggled to find consistency across the squad, with particular concern over the wide areas. Mulgrew believes the winger could provide the creativity and unpredictability Celtic lack in the final third. If Jota reaches his previous fitness levels, he could become a valuable asset for the club’s attacking thrust.

Mulgrew suggests easing Jota back with short substitute appearances of ten to fifteen minutes, building his match fitness gradually. “He’ll need to take his time to build up,” the former international warned, noting that even limited minutes would lift the squad and its supporters. Patience, he argued, is essential after such a long lay‑off.

O’Neill must resist the temptation to rely on Jota as an immediate solution, especially with several players absent on international duty. He needs his best men fit for the decisive stages of the campaign, and protecting Jota’s long‑term health should take precedence over short‑term flair. Neill’s cautious approach could safeguard the winger’s future contributions.

For Celtic supporters, seeing the Portuguese forward back on the pitch after such adversity offers a hopeful sign. Even modest minutes could rejuvenate the team’s attacking threat and bring a smile to fans who have endured a tough spell. The club now hopes Jota’s gradual integration will translate into sustained creativity as the season reaches its climax.