Celtic winger Jota made an appearance at the team’s training facility in Portugal earlier this week, even though he is not expected to be available until the second half of next season…
After being out of action since April due to a long-term injury sustained at Tannadice, the winger showed up at the club’s pre-season camp, where the team is gearing up for upcoming friendlies against Estrela Da Amadora and Sporting Lisbon.
Since May, Jota has been recovering in Portugal, but he recently joined the squad during their warm-weather training to catch up with teammates and staff.
The 26 year-old suffered his injury blow during Celtic’s title-winning match against Dundee United in April. Contributing to the game’s opening goal, Jota was later substituted and had to celebrate with supporters post-match with his crutches.
Arne Engels and Nicolas Kuhn look on as Jota receives treatment. Dundee United 0 Celtic 5 at Tannadice Park on April 26, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Seeing Jota rejoin the group, even off the pitch, is sure to lift spirits. The Benfica academy graduate is still held in high regard by both the club and fans, who are keen to see him back to his best once he is fully fit.
Celtic are intensifying their pre-season build-up as they look ahead to a Champions League play-off tie at the end of August and the start of their league title defence, with Brendan Rodgers emphasising the importance of hitting the ground running with a focused and ready squad.
Kasper Schmeichel and Jota chat during the title celebrations. Celtic Champions 2025. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star).
While Jota’s recovery remains on its expected timeline, his presence serves as a clear reminder of the talent Celtic will be able to call upon once he is back on the pitch again.
Meanwhile, newly promoted Serie A side Cremonese have officially expressed interest in Giuseppe Ambrosino, who has also been linked with a move to Celtic.
Jota celebrates the title win. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Brendan Rodgers has added Fulham prospect Callum Osmand to his ranks and is reportedly nearing a £1.5 million deal for Japanese striker Shin Yamada, though he could still seek additional attacking options to challenge Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah.
Giuseppe Ambrosino ITA, JUNE 22, 2025 – Football / Soccer : UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Slovakia Quarter-finals match between Uuder-21 Germany 3-2 Uuder-21 Italy at the DAC Arena, Dunajska Streda, Slovakia. IMAGO
Celtic have been monitoring Napoli’s Ambrosino, who recently scored for Italy’s U21s during their European Championship quarter-final loss to Germany.
Conor Spence
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Yes we need another striker Italian looks favourite come in on loan we need to get someone in for Qualifying champions league cant gamble as soon as we Qualify it will be easier to bring in good players just now we have only spl to sell them Our Club is suffering cause of this BIG TIME we are a top Club great history great ground manager support 60,000 fans every home game but we are in a league that small clubs have the same vote it does hold us back if we Qualify for champions league then we got that to offer players till next year 👍 do you agree