Celtic Handed Huge Boost As Jota Returns After 18 Months: Should O’Neill Risk Rushing Him Back? | OneFootball

Celtic have received encouraging news after Jota took another significant step towards his long-awaited first-team comeback, giving Martin O’Neill a potential attacking solution during a difficult period.

Celtic could receive a timely attacking boost from Jota’s return

The Portuguese winger completed 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors victory over Falkirk on Friday, marking his first competitive-style appearance in approximately 18 months. For a player who has endured such a lengthy spell away from football, the outing represents a major personal milestone.

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew believes Jota’s return could provide the squad with precisely the lift they need. Speaking while representing the Hoops at the Tennent’s Sixes, the former Scotland international explained why the winger’s availability could feel like signing another player.

His confidence comes partly from positive reports through his son Joshua, who plays in Celtic‘s academy. Joshua recently trained alongside several first-team players during the international break and saw Jota working with the group.

According to Mulgrew, his son spoke highly of the Portuguese forward’s condition and progress. That assessment will encourage fans who have waited patiently for another glimpse of the winger’s quality.

Speaking while representing the Hoops at the Tennent’s Sixes, Mulgrew said: “Jota is such a top player – it will be huge to see him back. It’s the old line about it being like having a new signing. I know that’s a cliché, but it’s true with Jota because he has been out for so long.

“Martin O’Neill never managed to see him at all last season, so he’ll be delighted. I’d imagine a player of his quality will be desperate to get back playing again as well.”

He added: “Obviously, with a lot of players away during the international break, my son plays for the under-18s and managed to go in and train with some of the first team boys. Jota was alongside them on a few of the days, and he spoke really highly of him.

“He was looking well. It’s really good to see him back. It’s been a tough time for Celtic fans in the last few weeks, but the sight of him back on the pitch will get them smiling.”

“He could be an important player for Celtic,” Mulgrew said. “It’s something they probably need in the forward area. Listen, there are issues all over the pitch for Martin right now, but the wide area is definitely an area that could do with some help.

“If Jota can get up to a level of fitness, it would be massive. I think people are going to have to be patient with him though. You don’t just breeze back in after 18 months out.

“He’ll need to take his time to build up, but even if he gets 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there for a few weeks, it will give everyone at the club a huge lift, whether it’s the players or the supporters.”

Jota suffered a devastating ACL injury against Dundee United at Tannadice in April 2025. Consequently, his recovery has kept him away from competitive football for around 18 months.

Can Jota give Celtic the attacking spark O’Neill desperately needs?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – APRIL 20: Jota of Celtic reacts during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic have struggled for consistency across several areas, and Mulgrew believes the wide positions deserve particular attention. Jota’s return could give O’Neill another attacking option, especially when the team needs creativity and unpredictability in the final third.

The former defender acknowledged that the manager faces problems across the pitch. However, he believes Jota could make a considerable difference if he eventually reaches his previous fitness levels.

There must be patience, though. Mulgrew suggested that 10-to-15-minute appearances could provide a sensible starting point before Celtic increase his involvement.

That approach makes sense. O’Neill cannot treat Jota as an immediate solution to every attacking problem, particularly after such a serious injury.

My opinion is that Celtic should resist the temptation to rush him back simply because fans desperately want to see him play. Short substitute appearances, carefully managed training sessions and gradual increases in workload should take priority.

Jota’s technical ability could change Celtic’s attacking threat, but his long-term availability matters far more than an immediate impact. O’Neill needs his best players fit for the decisive stages of the campaign, and protecting Jota must remain a priority.