Jota ‘almost ready’ for Celtic comeback as positive rehabilitation insight emerges

Former Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo has offered an encouraging update on Jota as the winger edges closer to his long-awaited return from injury.

Jota has endured a lengthy rehabilitation since suffering a devastating ACL injury which halted the momentum of his second spell at Parkhead.

His fellow Portuguese and former Benfica teammate Bernardo only had limited opportunities to play alongside him at Celtic before making his own loan switch to Gornik Zabrze in Poland.

However, the pair spent plenty of time together behind the scenes during Jota’s rehabilitation, with Bernardo revealing he saw significant progress before leaving Glasgow.

Speaking to The Herald, Bernardo said of Jota’s injury: “I think it was a hard time for him. I always talked to him when we were together. We were almost together every time in the club.

“I was happy for him to see him growing day by day and do different exercises. When I went to Poland, he was there. He was already training harder and harder. I was happy to see him on the pitch at that time.

“I hope he’s better right now and almost ready for coming back because I think he will be very important for Celtic this season and for the future as well. I think he’s an amazing player. He’s one of the most talented players that I’ve played with. I think he will be very important for Celtic.”