Jota ‘almost ready’ for Celtic comeback as positive rehabilitation insight emerges | OneFootball

Former Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo has offered an encouraging update on Jota as the winger edges closer to his long-awaited return from injury.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Jota of Celtic arrives prior to the William Hill Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United FC at Celtic Park on February 15, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Jota has endured a lengthy rehabilitation since suffering a devastating ACL injury which halted the momentum of his second spell at Parkhead.

His fellow Portuguese and former Benfica teammate Bernardo only had limited opportunities to play alongside him at Celtic before making his own loan switch to Gornik Zabrze in Poland.

However, the pair spent plenty of time together behind the scenes during Jota’s rehabilitation, with Bernardo revealing he saw significant progress before leaving Glasgow.

Speaking to The Herald, Bernardo said of Jota’s injury: “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 for coming 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.”

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic Star

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!