Celtic winger Jota is edging closer to a competitive return, with the Scottish club planning a behind-closed-doors match during the upcoming international break to accelerate his rehabilitation from a long-term injury. The Portuguese forward has resumed training after spending months sidelined, though his comeback remains subject to careful management by the club's medical team.
Jota suffered a cruciate ligament injury in April 2025 and only returned to training last month, which is why his comeback is being managed cautiously. According to reports from Scottish media, the friendly fixture is designed to build match fitness ahead of his full reintegration into Celtic's squad. However, conflicting assessments suggest he is not yet in full contact work, and a return to competitive action may still be several weeks away.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has indicated that while Jota
might be ready more quickly than I thought, a more realistic comeback window falls around Halloween or November. The club has already excluded Jota from their Europa League squad, confirming he will miss the upcoming group-stage fixtures as his recovery continues.
What does Jota's absence mean for Celtic's European campaign?
The winger's exclusion from European competition represents a significant blow to Celtic's attacking options during a crucial phase of their continental campaign. His absence will force manager O'Neill to rely on alternative attacking personnel for the group-stage matches, with the club clearly prioritising a full recovery over rushing him back to action.
Other Scottish football developments
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has returned to solo training with Napoli following the 29-year-old's heart procedure. According to reports from a national newspaper, Napoli confirmed that McTominay's ablation procedure was a complete success, and he has now progressed to separate gym training. The Italian club is targeting his return against Frosinone after the international break, with McTominay expected to rejoin full training once the international fixtures conclude.
Former Scotland striker Kris Boyd has stated he would be
astonishedif Oli McBurnie doesn't start as centre forward for new manager Sebastien Pocognoli in Scotland's away fixture against Slovenia on Saturday. The striker has become a focal point of discussion as the national team prepares for the upcoming qualifier.
St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari reports that forward Unax Alvarez is progressing towards his competitive debut following his summer transfer from Club Deportivo Guadalajara. Alvarez has endured an injury-hit start to his Perth career, but the manager indicated the forward is drawing closer to match readiness.
Celtic forward Camilo Duran's international debut for Colombia remains uncertain, with paperwork delays preventing his entry to the United States for upcoming fixtures. The administrative hold-up has created uncertainty around his availability for the South American nation's scheduled matches.
Transfer market activity and managerial speculation
The door has not closed on former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe taking charge of Celtic, according to Stenhousemuir boss Marvin Bartley, who worked under Howe during his time at Bournemouth. Bartley's comments suggest continued speculation around potential managerial changes at Celtic Park.
Winger Fares Ghedjemis, the 24-year-old targeted by both Celtic and Rangers during the summer transfer window, could sign a new contract with Italian club Frosinone. The development would represent a significant move in the player's career trajectory, potentially ending speculation about a move to Scottish football.
Former Hibernian head coach Jack Ross has been appointed assistant sporting director at Newcastle United, marking a significant step in his career away from day-to-day management. Ross's appointment reflects Newcastle's continued investment in their backroom structure.
Former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart has revealed he had the opportunity to join Celtic before returning to Heart of Midlothian for a second spell during his playing career. Stewart's disclosure offers insight into transfer decisions made during his time as an active player.
Key Facts
- Jota suffered a cruciate ligament injury in April 2025 and is being managed carefully to avoid setbacks
- Celtic have excluded the winger from their Europa League squad, confirming he will miss group-stage fixtures
- Scott McTominay has returned to solo training at Napoli following a successful heart ablation procedure
- Napoli are targeting McTominay's return against Frosinone after the international break
- Oli McBurnie is expected to lead Scotland's attack in Saturday's qualifier away to Slovenia
