FILIPE JOTA took the first steps today towards a comeback after being sidelined for SIXTEEN months.
The Celtic fans’ favourite has not been seen in action since he hirpled off during the first-half of the champions’ 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice on April 26 2025 when the Hoops sealed their fourth successive title.
Jota was pictured on crutches as he joined in the celebrations afterwards.
Unfortunately, it was later confirmed the Portuguese maverick had sustained a cruciate ligament injury which required surgery.
Jota had been welcomed back to the club in January 2025 in an £8.5million deal from Lige 1 side Rennes and netted the killer third goal in his first appearance on his comeback as the Hoops beat Motherwell 3-1 at Fir Park on February 2.
A familiar face at training today 👀#KILCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/5VJzhLBGiN
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 7, 2026
The 27-year-old Portuguese ace made only 15 other outings before being stricken by his horror injury that wiped out all of last season.
Celtic have set no return deadlines for the flamboyant forward, but there are hopes he could be available in late October or early November.
Jota provided some hope for the fans when he was spotted at Lennoxtown this morning.
He did some light work with his team-mates as they prepared for Sunday afternoon’s Premiership encounter against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
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