Celtic Hand Jota Hope as Injury Doubts Mount

Celtic could have Jota back in the matchday squad for Sunday’s trip to Motherwell, but Martin O’Neill still has several fitness checks to complete before naming his team.

The winger has been out for around 18 months with a serious knee injury. O’Neill said Jota played 45 minutes in a closed-door match against Falkirk during the international break. Asked if he could feature at Fir Park, the Celtic manager said there was “every possibility”.

That is encouraging news for Celtic as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures. Jota’s return would give O’Neill another attacking option. However, after such a long absence, Celtic may need to manage his minutes carefully.

Carter-Vickers and Yang concerns

There was less positive news on Cameron Carter-Vickers and Yang Hyun-jun. Neither was seen in training ahead of the match. O’Neill said Carter-Vickers is carrying a strain, while Yang’s fitness will need to be assessed after his recent hamstring problem.

Their availability remains uncertain. Celtic will hope both can make progress before Sunday, but O’Neill’s comments do not guarantee either player will be ready to feature.

Johnston and Osmand building fitness

Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand have returned to training as they work their way back from injury. Celtic are monitoring both players carefully, so their return to the training pitch does not necessarily mean they will be included against Motherwell.

Landon Emenalo could begin training with the squad next week. However, he is not expected to feature in Celtic’s upcoming European match, having been left out of the club’s competition squad.

O’Neill faces late decisions

The latest update gives Celtic a possible boost in attack, but leaves the manager with several questions elsewhere. Jota is in contention, while Carter-Vickers and Yang remain doubts. Johnston and Osmand are making progress, but Celtic will take no risks with their recovery.

Celtic travel to Fir Park on Sunday, October 11, for a noon kick-off. O’Neill’s final decisions will depend on how the players respond to training and whether Jota is ready for competitive involvement.