Shaun Maloney took a very diplomatic line when he discussed Jota at the Celtic media conference.
Just before lunchtime on Friday Celtic released a social media clip showing Jota walking out to training with Johnny Kenny.
Later SNS published images of the winger taking part in training.
There was one crucial detail missing.
The training session was no contact. Passing, running and fitness drills.
Still it was great to see Jota back involved.
Since his injury at Tannadice in April 2025 there has barely been any news on the superstar from Portugal.
JOTA- THE LOST SEASON AND COMEBACK POSSIBILITY
Season 25/26 passed by without any sign of the former Benfica winger.
There was a mention now and then but Jota missed out on the entire campaign. Even appearances in the stand watching his team-mates playing have been scarce.
No interviews have surfaced. Not even from Portugal where he is likely to have a few journalistic friends.
QUESTION: Just a word on Jota as well. Fans are very excited to see him on the grass. Should fans temper their expectations of how quickly he should return? But how great is that supposed to just see him back out there more than anything else?
Yes, it’s really positive for us. I’ve never worked with him.
I’ve watched him, obviously, but we’re all excited to get him back. He’s still a matter of weeks. Today was the first day, he had a full session in terms of doing every drill, but some of that was unopposed.
He’s still not in full contact, so it’s still a matter of weeks. It’s not going to be two or three weeks. He’s still a bit to go, but it is really positive.
He’s had a really tough time and he’s had a lot of weeks that haven’t been positive. He’s spent some time in Portugal again, but the last couple of weeks he’s looked good. So, as a coaching staff, we’re really looking forward to having him back.
It gives us a completely different type of winger.
QUESTION: Does it feel like a new signing?
Oh, he definitely will. We have to temper our expectation because it has been that long.
That’s one thing with Cameron Carter-Vickers, he had a full pre-season, so he was out for pretty much all of last season, but he got six weeks. Jota will need something similar. It will take him a bit of time to get back to his best, but I think we’re all excited to work with him and watch him.
But it’s good news, really good news.
Sticking to the six week timeline takes us to the second half of September. There is an international break with no Celtic matches between September 20 and October 10.
Getting up to full fitness and mobility at that point would then be followed by playing some matches. It could take three or four of them before Jota is ready to be considered for first team action. Initially from the bench.
At the start of September Celtic will have to name their UEFA squad for eight games running through until the end of January.
A place in that squad could be the ideal incentive- or build up expectations.
Seeing a substitute appearance or two during October would be a pleasant bonus for Celtic.
The match against Motherwell on October 10 will only be Celtic’s seventh SPFL match. In context, between December 2 and January 2 Celtic are scheduled to play seven SPFL matches.
When Jota returns it will be huge for him,I hope his bad times are behind him and he can push on with his career