CELTIC fans’ favourite Filipe Jota is NOT likely to play this season.
It had been hoped the flamboyant Portuguese winger would return next month to boost the champions during the second half of the campaign.
However, Martin O’Neill has made the stunning revelation that Jota, who has been out with a knee problem since the Hoops clinched their fourth successive title in a 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice on April 26, is highly unlikely to figure before next term.
The interim boss, speaking to Sky Sports, said: “Obviously, I’d like to bolster the squad.
CROCKED…Filipe Jota on crutches at Tannadice in April last year – his final appearance of the season.
“For instance, in terms of the long-term injuries, I don’t see Jota being back this season.
“I think that Alistair Johnston would probably make a fightback, and he’s hoping to be maybe sometime in March, and that would be great if that’s the case.
“But the longer-term injuries, I don’t see it.”
Defensive key man Cameron Carter-Vickers hasn’t featured since collapsing at the end of the 2-1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz at Parkhead on October 23 and he, too, could struggle to recover before the end of the season.
O’Neill has recalled Stephen Welsh from his loan contract at Motherwell and the former Scotland Under-21 skipper will be in the squad for tomorrow night’s Premiership encounter at Falkirk.
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