Celtic accelerate forward signing plan after Jota injury latest
The 27-year-old has missed 64 games for his club since suffering a cruciate ligament injury in April 2025, but is finally closing in on a return to action well over a year later.
While there is optimism that the winger could return ahead of their visit to face Motherwell at Fir Park on 11 October, there are still lingering doubts about his recovery.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic will be happy to have Jota back, but there is still uncertainty about his situation.
Even if Jota does return to action in the near future, having been back training with the first team, the length of time he spent on the sidelines has led to concerns.
Should he struggle to get back to his top level, and given the lack of quality depth in the wide areas, there is a growing feeling Celtic could sign a new winger in January.
Why are Celtic concerned about Jota?
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider on 7 October that Celtic must not rush Jota back into competitive action just to appease the fans' calls.
Despite having played 45 minutes in a freindly during the international break, there are concerns it may be too soon to throw him back into first-team action already.
Even if he does return, however, Celtic expect it will take time to get him back to his best and they are prepaerd to enter the transfer market in January as a result.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Celtic did bring in a of players in in the summer window but Martin O’Neill still feels they're maybe bit weak in certain areas.
"A wide attacker is probably quite high on that list right now, primarily a right-sided one because they are lacking depth in that position.
"They want to strengthen their attacking options, and that's another area of the team that they're weak in, because they've badly missed Jota since his injury.
"It looks like he will be returning for Celtic soon, but it can take time to recover from such a lengthy absence, so they might be forced to look in the market.
"Bringing in a right-sided attacker, if the right player is available, is probably something that Martin or Neil would like to do in January."
Which other wingers are on Celtic's radar?
Celtic's plans to sign a new winger have been in place since the summer window, when they assessed a number of options to strengthen amid concerns about their depth.
Despite completing a deal to sign Haissem Hassan, who has had a mixed start to life at Parkhead, there were also multiple targets who the Hoops missed out on.
Football Insider reported on 6 October that Celtic could now reignite their interest in Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen after his impressive displays for Denmark during the break.
Isaksen produced two standout performances against Wales in the Nations League but could be available in the new year as he struggles for regular starts at Lazio.
Primarily a right-winger, he can also play as a striker or on the oppsite flank, but has started just one league game this season and Celtic could look to take advantage.