Key Points
- Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that winger Jota played 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk at Lennoxtown during the international break.
- Jota has been sidelined for 18 months after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
- O’Neill stated that Jota’s return to full match contention will feel “like a new player coming to the club”.
- Right-back Alistair Johnston and young striker Callum Osmand have also returned to the grass at Lennoxtown to step up their individual rehabilitation programmes.
- Manager Martin O’Neill also noted a minor concern after winger Yang Hyun-jun picked up a hamstring problem while away on international duty.
Celtic Park (Glasgow Express) October 7, 2026 — October 6, 2026 — As reported by Mark Pirie of the Daily Record, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has delivered an encouraging injury bulletin regarding the club’s long-term absentees. At the forefront of the positive news is Portuguese winger Jota, who has successfully ramped up his recovery by completing 45 minutes in a competitive internal bounce game against Falkirk at the Lennoxtown training ground.
As detailed by staff across various club channels and sports platforms, Jota has spent roughly 18 months on the sidelines following a devastating ACL injury. Speaking to Celtic TV, O’Neill expressed his delight at seeing the fan favourite back on the pitch. As stated by Martin O’Neill,
“Jota had 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk last Friday, and that was really good. I know it’s a cliched phrase, but that will definitely feel like a new player coming to the club, as far as I’m concerned”.
What progress have Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand made in their recoveries?
Beyond Jota’s milestone appearance, the Hoops have received further welcome boosts on the fitness front. According to reports from The National, right-back Alistair Johnston and young striker Callum Osmand are both making notable strides in their respective rehabilitation journeys.
Providing further details on the defensive and attacking reinforcements, Martin O’Neill noted that Johnston has returned to the grass and is gradually integrating into light build-up sessions at Lennoxtown. As outlined by Martin O’Neill,
“I notice now that Alistair Johnston’s on the grass. He’s coming into Lennoxtown when they’re doing some build-up work. That’s encouraging. Young Osmand is doing the same as well too, so that’s very encouraging”.
While both players require a more measured buildup before being thrust into full competitive action compared to Jota, their physical progression provides vital depth for the squad.
Are there any fresh injury concerns for the Hoops following the international break?
While the general update was overwhelmingly positive, international breaks invariably bring fresh headaches for club managers. As highlighted by Mark Pirie of the Daily Record, Celtic have encountered an issue on the flanks with winger Yang Hyun-jun.
Addressing the complications arising from international fixtures, Martin O’Neill revealed:
“Yang has gone off and he has had a hamstring problem. These are the concerns all the time when you are a club manager and your players are away on international duty, but we will see how everybody is on Friday and take it from there”.
Despite this setback, the Glasgow club remains focused on their upcoming Scottish Premiership return against Motherwell at Fir Park, bolstered by the imminent return of influential figures.
Background of the Development
The latest fitness updates arrive during a crucial phase of the Scottish Premiership season as teams navigate the disruption and physical toll of international fixtures. Jota’s prolonged absence stemmed from a severe ACL injury sustained nearly a year and a half prior, interrupting a career arc that had established him as a talismanic figure among the Celtic faithful during his initial spell and subsequent career moves. Lennoxtown training ground bounce matches, such as the recent fixture arranged against Scottish League One side Falkirk, serve as a standard developmental and diagnostic tool for medical and coaching staffs to evaluate whether players recovering from long-term trauma are ready to withstand the physical demands of top-flight competitive football.
Prediction
The gradual re-integration of Jota, alongside the eventual returns of Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand, significantly broadens tactical options for Celtic’s technical staff as they manage domestic league commitments and European aspirations. For the wider squad and supporters, the presence of a revitalised winger who is treated effectively as a “new signing” injects fresh attacking dynamism and relieves pressure during periods when other wide options—such as Yang Hyun-jun—face fitness struggles. Over the coming weeks, carefully managed substitute appearances will likely be utilised to bring Jota back up to full match sharpness without risking recurrence, ultimately providing a major psychological and on-field boost to the team’s depth.
