Jota gets a warm welcome from Celtic teammates in Portugal

After being out of action since April due to a long-term injury sustained at Tannadice, the winger showed up at the club’s pre-season camp, where the team is gearing up for upcoming friendlies against Estrela Da Amadora and Sporting Lisbon.

Since May, Jota has been recovering in Portugal, but he recently joined the squad during their warm-weather training to catch up with teammates and staff.

The 26 year-old suffered his injury blow during Celtic’s title-winning match against Dundee United in April. Contributing to the game’s opening goal, Jota was later substituted and had to celebrate with supporters post-match with his crutches.

Seeing Jota rejoin the group, even off the pitch, is sure to lift spirits. The Benfica academy graduate is still held in high regard by both the club and fans, who are keen to see him back to his best once he is fully fit.

Celtic are intensifying their pre-season build-up as they look ahead to a Champions League play-off tie at the end of August and the start of their league title defence, with Brendan Rodgers emphasising the importance of hitting the ground running with a focused and ready squad.

While Jota’s recovery remains on its expected timeline, his presence serves as a clear reminder of the talent Celtic will be able to call upon once he is back on the pitch again.

Meanwhile, newly promoted Serie A side Cremonese have officially expressed interest in Giuseppe Ambrosino, who has also been linked with a move to Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers has added Fulham prospect Callum Osmand to his ranks and is reportedly nearing a £1.5 million deal for Japanese striker Shin Yamada, though he could still seek additional attacking options to challenge Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah.

Celtic have been monitoring Napoli’s Ambrosino, who recently scored for Italy’s U21s during their European Championship quarter-final loss to Germany.

Conor Spence