FILIPE JOTA is almost certainly OUT of Celtic’s visit to Ibrox a week today.
The Portuguese ace limped off in the 35th minute during the champions’ 5-0 title romp against Dundee United at Tannadice yesterday.
Jota writhed in pain after going down awkwardly as he chased a through ball with opponent Allan Campbell. It looked as though he had twisted his right knee as he collapsed to the turf in obvious distress.
The winger failed to respond to onfield treatment and was helped off by club physio Tim Williamson with Adam Idah immediately getting the nod to join the action.
DOWN AND OUT…Filipe Jota receives treatment from physio Tim Williamson as a concerned Arne Engels lends his support – but it’s game over for the winger.
The Republic of Ireland international frontman responded with two second-half goals after the Hoops had led 3-0 at the interval with a double from a revitalised Nicolas Kuhn and an own goal from Ryan Strain.
Jota joined the celebrations with his leg in a brace as his team-mates took a bow after sealing their fourth successive title, their thirteenth flag in 14 years and the club’s 55th crown in their coveted history.
Brendan Rodgers was fairly non-committal in the immediate aftermath of his personal fourth championship over his two stints at Parkhead.
The manager, speaking to The Scotsman, said: “He just felt his knee. He’s with the medical guys, we’re looking at whether his meniscus is a little bit sore.
“We’ll just have to assess that. Of course, they put it in the brace to protect it.
“We’ll see in the next couple of days.”
WALKING WOUNDED…Filipe Jota comes onto the pitch to join the title party.
FLAG HAPPY…Filipe Jota waves his walking sticks in the air as he celebrates another crowning glory.
Rodgers will not rush Jota who, of course, returned to the Hoops in January after ill-fated and brief stops in Saudia Arabia and France and has collected four goals after netting on his comeback in the 3-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park at the beginning of February.
It is highly unlikely the maverick forward will be pitched in against Barry Ferguson’s side, who drew 2-2 with St Mirren in Paisley. A suspect knee could take a pounding in what is bound to be a physical encounter.
Rodgers will probably ease Jota back to action in the remaining three fixture with Hibs and the Saints due at Parkhead and a midweek trip to Pittodrie due on May 14.
The flamboyant wide Bhoy will want to bring down the curtain on his Celtic comeback in his customary style when the holders face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden 10 days after the league visit to the north east.
JUST CHAMPION: TON-UP BHOYS DO IT IN STYLE
