Celtic Receive Huge Boost As Portuguese Star Gets Major Backing: Can He Really Return At His Best? | OneFootball

Paulo Bernardo’s words offer Celtic fans another reason to believe Jota can still become a major figure after his injury lay-off. Speaking to The Herald, Bernardo described the Portuguese winger’s rehabilitation as a difficult period and recalled how the pair stayed in regular contact while working at the club.

Bernardo watched Jota progress from basic rehabilitation exercises to harder sessions, including work on the pitch. That is important because Bernardo saw the recovery from close range before leaving Glasgow. He said he felt happy watching his compatriot improve and hopes Jota can return soon because he expects him to become very important for Celtic.

Jota suffered cruciate ligament damage during Celtic’s 5-0 win at Dundee United on 26 April 2025, only months after returning to Glasgow in an £8m deal from Rennes. Celtic had brought him back after his £25m move to Al-Ittihad in 2023, following a first spell in which he produced 15 goals and 12 assists during the 2022/23 domestic treble campaign. By 30 September 2026, his absence has stretched close to 18 months.

Bernardo said: “I think it was a hard time for him. I always talked to him when we were together. We were almost together every time in the club.

“I was happy for him to see him growing day by day and do different exercises. When I went to Poland, he was there. He was already training harder and harder. I was happy to see him on the pitch at that time.”

“I hope he’s better right now and almost ready to come back because I think he will be very important for Celtic this season and for the future as well.”

“I think he’s an amazing player. He’s one of the most talented players that I’ve played with. I think he will be very important for Celtic.”

Recent signs have encouraged supporters. Celtic have gradually increased Jota’s work at Lennoxtown, while Martin O’Neill said in September that the winger had taken part in small-sided matches. Celts Are Here then reported that Celtic planned a private fixture during the international break as another test before a possible return to competitive action. The club’s own squad list still includes Jota, while Bernardo now sits on loan at Górnik Zabrze until June 2027.

Can Bernardo’s belief help Jota restore his Celtic level?

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)

There’s a human side to Bernardo’s comments that deserves attention. He wasn’t discussing Jota from a distance; he shared the training ground with him through a recovery that demanded patience, repetition and plenty of lonely hours. That makes his optimism feel genuine rather than like empty praise.

Still, Celtic cannot select a team based on sentiment. Jota’s previous level gives supporters every reason to dream, yet an ACL injury followed by such a lengthy absence creates a different starting point. His body must cope with contact, sharp changes of direction, repeated sprints and the pressure of competitive matches before anyone can judge his old form.

That is important for O’Neill or whoever replaces him. Celtic need Jota’s creativity, especially from the left, but rushing him would make little sense after so much lost time. A controlled return, limited minutes and careful workload management should matter more than one spectacular training display.

Bernardo’s words therefore offer reassurance, but they don’t provide proof. They confirm that Jota has worked hard and that someone who knew him closely still believes in his ability. The harder evidence will come when he faces defenders again, takes a heavy challenge, produces decisive actions and completes matches without another setback.

For Celtic, that is the test that counts. The club paid £8m for Jota because his talent could change matches. Now, after nearly 500 days away from competitive football, patience may prove just as valuable as his first touch.