Celtic manager provides potential Jota injury boost

One of the biggest worries that Celtic have at this point of time is the injury status surrounding Jota. The Portuguese winger arrived on a season-long loan from Benfica in the summer and there were a lot of questions surrounding the move. While he had enjoyed a great time coming through the youth ranks and was even linked with Real Madrid at one point, things had not gone as well at the senior level.

Jota had not been able to find a regular place in Benfica’s first-team and did not have a great time on loan at Real Valladolid either. He has looked like a completely different at Celtic though.

According to stats from Transfermarkt, Jota has scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists in 18 appearances for Celtic till now.

He picked up an injury against Hearts though and it goes without saying that that is a massive worry for the club. Ange Postecoglou did provide a hopeful update on the situation though. As reported by the Glasgow Times, the Celtic manager said:

"“Jota’s one who has played every game and he’s one we’d love to give a break to at some point. But it’s the kind of stage as a squad we’re at this moment.“He wasn’t too downbeat after the game, he was hopeful it was nothing too serious.“Ultimately, we need guys like Mikey and Liel (Abada) to step up, that’s why they’re here at the club.“And if the opportunity exists for them it’s up to them to take it.”"

Celtic manager provides hopeful injury update on Jota

There is no doubt about the fact that Jota has come in and quickly become one of the most important members of this Celtic team. And over the past several weeks, he was the standout performer for the Hoops.

Thus, Celtic are definitely going to miss his presence on the left-wing. And it will be interesting to see how Postecoglou adjusts his team with Jota out of action, even if it turns out to be for a short amount of time.

The manager could go for a like-for-like replacement in the form of Mikey Johnston, but he has not been in great form this season. Or, he could move James Forrest to the left and play Liel Abada on the right. Even Kyogo could be a possible option if the situation calls for it.