Celtic winger Jota is facing a lengthy layoff of approximately six to nine months due to a severe cruciate ligament injury. This unfortunate development has prompted manager Brendan Rodgers to emphasize the necessity for the club to strengthen its attacking options as they eye the summer transfer market.
The 26-year-old Portuguese player, who made his return to the Scottish champions from Rennes earlier this year, sustained his injury during a dominating 5-0 triumph over Dundee United. His early exit from the match in the first half at Tannadice proved to be a significant blow, especially as Celtic celebrated clinching their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title. The sight of Jota leaving the stadium on crutches cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion for both the player and his supporters.
“Sadly, it’s not good news for him or for us really,” Rodgers articulated in a conversation with Sky Sports, sharing his concerns about the implications for both Jota and the team. Initially, it seemed that the injury might not be too severe, but the results of the scans revealed considerable damage, signifying that Jota will require a lengthy recovery period to heal properly. “So he’s done his cruciate and a little bit of other damage in there. He’s quite upbeat and philosophical about it,” added Rodgers, noting Jota’s commendable attitude despite facing such an adversity.
Jota had previously made a notable impact during his first stint with Celtic, initially joining the club on loan from Benfica, where he dazzled fans with his talent and flair. However, after transferring to Al-Ittihad in 2023, his career took an unexpected turn as he struggled for playing time and form in Saudi Arabia, which subsequently affected his performances at Rennes. Since his return to Celtic, he has participated in 16 matches, with nine starts, netting five goals. Rodgers had expressed optimism that a “really strong pre-season” would facilitate Jota’s improvement in fitness and performance levels. Sadly, the injury has disrupted his progress and potential.
Rodgers reflected on the challenges Jota has faced in the past two years, particularly since his move to Saudi Arabia, yet he remains hopeful about the player’s resilience and growth during this difficult period. “He is a very positive young guy, and I’m confident he will emerge from this experience as a stronger individual and player,” he remarked, emphasizing Jota’s determination to recover fully.
The urgency for Celtic to address their attacking depth has undoubtedly intensified with Jota’s injury. This situation is further complicated by the earlier departure of top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes, making Jota’s presence on the team even more critical. “We will definitely have to go into the market, of that there is no doubt,” Rodgers insisted. “Improving our front line has always been part of our plans, but now this injury really highlights the need to bolster that position on the field.”
As Celtic gears up for their upcoming match against city rivals Rangers, the team must contend not only with Jota’s absence but also with the injury to right-back Alastair Johnston. The implications of these injuries weigh heavily on the squad as they strive to reverse their fortunes and avoid losing a third consecutive league meeting against their fierce rivals. The urgency for strategic player additions during the transfer window has never been clearer, as Celtic looks to navigate through this challenging period while pursuing their goals for the remainder of the season.
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