Ange Postecoglou has put the half-time substitution of Jota down to fatigue.
The hoops boss made six changes to the side that had lost to RB Leipzig in midweek with the former Benfica winger the only one of the front three to survive from Germany to Perth.
Jota was one of the few Celtic players not on international duty last month but with Celtic’s heavy October schedule in mind he was withdrawn at half-time with Celtic leading 1-0.
It took a 94th minute winner from Giorgos Giakoumakis to deliver full points at the end of a difficult week where Celtic have to prepare for life without Callum McGregor, probably until the end of the year.
Covering the half-time Jota switch, The Sun reports:
Ange Postecoglou has revealed that Jota was subbed off at half-time due to fatigue. Celtic fans will be happy to hear the winger didn’t suffer any injuries in their dramatic 2-1 win over St Johnstone.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Postecoglou said: “Yeah, it was just a bit of fatigue. The plan wasn’t to play him for too long today as he’s played a lot of football so I don’t think there’s any concern there.”
Hopefully the 94th minute winner from Giakoumakis will have revived Jota and his team-mates after two games on the road.
Postecoglou used four wingers during today’s win but on Tuesday night Jota seems certain to be on the team-sheet for the visit on RB Leipzig.
