BRENDAN RODGERS is refusing to take any risks with Filipe Jota and will not rush the first-team return of the flamboyant winger.
The Portuguese fans’ favourite will not be seen again in 2025 after sustaining an ACL injury as Celtic sealed their thirteenth title in 14 years with a 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice on April 26.
Jota slumped to the turf in the 35th minute and was in obvious distress before he was helped off the pitch with his comeback season ending there and then.
CROWNING GLORY…Filipe Jota celebrates Celtic’s title triumph at Tannadice in April, despite requiring crutches to join his team-mates on the pitch.
He has been undergoing his rehab in his homeland and visited his team-mates at their Lisbon training camp at the weekend.
The 26-year-old maverick was in high spirits, but the Hoops boss confirmed it will be come time before the player is seen again in competitive action.
Rodgers, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “We sent him back to assess his fitness here and be with his family.
“And, yes, the progress has come along really well.
“I think the first 12 weeks of that injury, it’s important that you get to a point where you are able to straighten it.
“He can do that. He was in the gym. So, yes, he’s coming along well, but there’s a long, long way to go.”
