Celtic will have to finish the season without one of their most exciting attacking players after it was confirmed there will be no return for Jota before the campaign wraps up.
Unlike some injuries where there is late hope of a comeback, this one has been heading in that direction for a while. Now it is official.
Jota will not play again this season.
“Jota will not be available to us until next season,” O’Neill told Celtic TV.
It is a major setback, not just because of his quality, but because of what he brings to the team when things are not going to plan. He is the kind of player who can turn a quiet game into something dangerous in a split second. A bit of skill, a change of pace, a moment of unpredictability. That has been missing.
His knee injury has kept him out for a significant period, and while there were early hopes he might return before the end, recovery has not moved quickly enough. At this stage, the focus is no longer on squeezing him back into this season, but making sure he is fully ready for the next one.
That tells you how careful the club are being.
Without Jota, Celtic have had to find other ways to create chances, and at times, it has shown. There have been games where the attack has looked a bit one dimensional, lacking that spark on the wing that can open up tight defences.
Jota gives you something different.
He is comfortable taking players on, drawing defenders out of position, and creating space for others. Even when he is not directly scoring or assisting, he changes how the opposition sets up. That kind of influence is difficult to replace.
It also explains why there have been moments this season where Celtic have struggled to break teams down, especially when games become tight and predictable. That is usually when a player like Jota steps up.
Instead, others have had to carry that responsibility.
Martin O’Neill has rotated his options, tried different combinations, and at times found solutions, but there is no like for like replacement for what Jota offers.
Now, with the season nearing its end, Celtic have no choice but to push on without him.
There is still plenty on the line, and the team will have to find that cutting edge from elsewhere. It is not ideal, but it is the situation they are in.
For Jota, the focus is clear.
Recover properly, avoid any setbacks, and come back fully fit for the new season.
Because when he is at his best, Celtic are a far more dangerous side.