NafisaCeltic winger Jota will be sidelined for six to nine months due to a cruciate ligament injury, with manager Brendan Rodgers stating it “shone a light” on the club’s need to strengthen their attacking ranks in the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old, who returned to the Scottish champions from Rennes in January, suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s 5-0 triumph over Dundee United.
Jota was substituted in the first half at Tannadice as Celtic secured a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, the Portuguese winger leaving the stadium on crutches.
“Sadly, it’s not good news for him or for us really,” Rodgers told Sky Sports.
“It didn’t look as bad, but when he had the scan, it looks like he’ll probably be out for six to nine months.
“So he’s done his cruciate and a little bit of other damage in there. He’s quite upbeat and philosophical about it.”
Devastated Jota has spoken out about the crushing injury setback he received last week.
The Celtic wide player will be out of action for up to nine months after damaging his ACL in the Hoops’ 5-0 victory over Dundee United, which clinched a 13th Scottish Premiership crown in 14 years.
Brendan Rodgers shared the unfortunate news ahead of Sunday’s 1-1 Old Firm derby stalemate with Rangers.
The former Benfica star now faces a lengthy recovery journey and is unlikely to play for the Hoops until early 2026.
But the 25-year-old is opting to view his absence as life offering him an opportunity to recalibrate ahead of the “second half” of his career.
He posted on Instagram: “So, just passing by to let yous’ know from myself. Obviously pretty s**** and all of that stuff buuuttt, the amount of crazy worse things that could have happen is huge right
“I’ve made my professional debut about 10 years ago. I believe now this being life whistling for the career half time break and giving me this deep inner breath to get me ready for the 2nd half of this ride (and mannn, how exciting it will be)
“I’ll now retreat, allow the wounds to naturally heal and give me the opportunity to embrace the growth that only stillness and pain can teach.
“Things are about to slow down, and as a good friend once told me…’Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast'”
Nafisa
