Jota was in the Main Stand at Celtic Park today as the hoops drew 2-2 with AC Milan.
The Portuguese winger suffered a serious knee injury in the April 2025 title clincher away to Dundee United and hasn’t played since.
Last summer Jota was with his Celtic team-mates at their pre-season training camp in Lisbon but was missing from this season’s preparations in the Algarve.
From Portugal Martin O’Neill stated that Jota would be back at Lennoxtown on July 20 to start training on grass.
There has been no update from Celtic, no social media clips or content.
Today, in the final pre-season warm up Jota was pictured alongside Alistair Johnston watching the action.
Last season Johnston and Carter-Vickers were almost Season Ticket holders watching the team. Jota was very rarely seen watching matches.
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The Portuguese winger was spotted during the Milan friendly sitting with ???????? ???????? and ????-??? ????.
MoN said he would be back in training last Monday but has yet to be seen at Lennoxtown. pic.twitter.com/7YQYTaWKr5
— ?????? ????????? ? (@CelticEssential) July 25, 2026
The first half was impressive with Camilo Duran again catching the eye.
A goal and an assist for James Forrest put Celtic 2-0 up at the break and looking in control.
Despite today being their first friendly Milan battled back, scoring twice early in the second half to earn a draw.
CELTIC BADLY MISS THE INFLUENCE AND IMPACT OF JOTA
The second half was punctuated by numerous substitutions with Tom Hatton the most impressive off the bench for Celtic. Ironically coming off the left wing as Jota watched.
Hatton had a sure touch, was confident in his ability and not afraid to take players on, cut inside and take a shot at goal.
He achieved more than Sebastian Tounekti. Tellingly Michel Ange Balikwisha never got off the bench.
Back in May Martin O’Neill suggested around Halloween as a likely return date for Jota.
There is a lot of football to be played before then, anyone expecting to see vintage Jota in a Celtic shirt before Christmas is likely to be disappointed.
An 18 month break is a huge gap in a footballers career.
Until he is back in a Celtic shirt, riding tackles, sending in crosses and celebrating goals Celtic fans will have to hope for the best for the former Benfica winger.
Really bad injury that Dundee United Guy gave Jota !
Nobody gave Jota the injury Clach. His studs caught in the turf. Terrible luck but it happens. Nobody’s fault.
Thanks Ianbhoy1888 for clarification and apologies to that Dundee United Player Campbell that was associated with it…
Probably a Highland thing – Never trust a Campbell !