Celtic winger Joao Pedro Neves Filipe, known as Jota, returned to training yesterday at Lennoxtown after a 16-month absence due to a cruciate ligament injury. While manager Martin O'Neill was expectedly absent from training, the 27-year-old Portuguese player joined his teammates on the grass for the first time since April 26, 2025.
Jota was forced off on crutches during a match at Tannadice, with initial forecasts suggesting a return around the new year. Complications and setbacks sidelined him for an entire season, raising fears that his career might be over. Those doubts eased yesterday when Celtic's media team published a photograph of Jota back in action, though he may still need roughly eight weeks of training before participating in first-team matches.
Assistant manager Shaun Maloney, who suffered a similar serious injury in 2004, expressed confidence that Jota can regain his previous form. Maloney noted that the winger looks strong and has shown positive progress over the last two weeks.
"Yeah, definitely," Maloney said. "It might take a bit of time and hard work. He's definitely putting in the hours. He looks really strong. Yeah, he's got every chance. The last couple of weeks have been really positive."
Maloney highlighted defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who returned to form after being out for eight or nine months following a full pre-season. Celtic plan a similar rehabilitation approach for Jota to ensure he reaches his full potential.
"So, we'll have to try and do something similar with Jota to give him the best chance that when he comes back, he's the player that you have all watched numerous times," Maloney said. "There's absolutely no doubt that he can do it."
The assistant boss emphasized that recovery involves both physical and mental challenges. He praised Celtic's medical team and physios, who maintained daily contact with Jota and held Zoom meetings while the player rehabilitated in Portugal. Maloney also credited former manager Brendan Rodgers, current manager Martin O'Neill, and coach Mark "Fozzy" Fotheringham for their constant encouragement.
"That's all peripheral stuff," Maloney said. "I think the main guys that he's relied on is the physical and the medical team. The medical team and him have really been inseparable. They have to take any sort of credit rather than us, every week or once a fortnight speaking to him. These guys have been in daily communication with him."
Rehabilitation Timeline and Expectations
Celtic supporters have idolized Jota since his initial arrival from Benfica in 2021, but Maloney cautioned fans to remain patient during his integration. The winger completed non-contact drills yesterday and must gradually build tolerance before taking part in bounce matches and competitive fixtures.
"He's had a really difficult time," Maloney said. "From our side, you have to just temper it slightly. There is a fair bit to this. It's one thing coming back to training this week with no contact. Then you have to become free in the next few weeks and build up that tolerance to it. We then have to create friendlies for him too."
Maloney suggested that Halloween or November could be realistic targets for Jota's first-team comeback, although recent accelerations in his recovery offer hope for an earlier return.
"Today, he did every drill, but not every drill was contact," Maloney added. "So, it worked out for him. He's still going to be a good few weeks, not two or three. But it is really positive. I know it's positive for the boy, it's positive for us and obviously his support. I've never worked with him, but when I've watched him, he is very, very good."
Squad Depth and Transfer Activity
Jota was a key player under former manager Ange Postecoglou, winning two league titles before transferring to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad for £25million. His expected return in October has led Celtic to focus their transfer efforts away from left-sided wingers.
On the left flank, Celtic already feature Seb Tounekti and Hyung-jun Yang, who played on the left in the previous match. Maloney confirmed his satisfaction with the depth on that side once Jota returns to full fitness.
Celtic are actively pursuing Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan to reinforce the right flank, aiming to replicate the left-footed attacking profile lost when Nicolas Kuhn departed. Securing Hassan would likely end Celtic's interest in Frosinone winger Fares Ghedjemis.
"On that right side, I think if we get one in with a certain profile and we keep everyone, I think that might be enough," Maloney said. He added that Tounekti can also cover the right side, joining options such as James Forrest and prospect Sean McArdle.
