Martin O'Neill told to be 'very careful' with Jota as new Celtic 'concern' emerges
The 27-year-old made his first appearance after an almost two-year-long layoff in a freindly during the international break, and returned to competitive action against Motherwell.
The Hoops took all three points thanks to a 2-0 win at Fir Park, with the winger's comeback met by a great reception from the fans, but it may not all be over just yet.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Celtic must be "extremely careful" to manage Jota's minutes and ensure he does not suffer any further issues.
Jota came off the bench in the 73rd minute to make his first competitive appearance for Celtic since he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in April 2025.
However, Martin O'Neill's side have been warned it could take "months" for the forward to get back to his former self given the length of time he was forced to spend on the sidelines.
Is Jota being rushed back into action for Celtic?
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness warned Football Insider on 7 October that Celtic would be taking a huge risk if they rush Jota back into first-team action too soon.
It has been suggested that the winger's return may have been fast-tracked to appease the supporters, who gave him a warm reception despite their recent frustrations.
O'Neill has now been warned he must manage Jota's minutes carefully, and overdoing it could lead to an extended period on the sideliens.
"Celtic have got to be very, very careful with Jota and his return to the starting XI," Brown told Football Insider.
"It's a major concern when somebody has missed nearly two years of football, are they going to be the same player? Are these issues going to come up again?
"It can be tempting when a player like that returns to injury, you want him to play as much as possible, to come in and make a difference to the team on a regular basis.
"But it's not as easy as that when players have spent as long as he has on the sidelines, sometimes it can take months until they're back to full fitness.
"They can't afford to rush him back in, because I've seen it happen so many times before where players come back and all of a sudden they have to miss another few weeks out.
"I'm sure they'll have it all planned out with the medical staff, they'll know how much his body can take and they won't rush it, but they have got to be very careful now."
Why are Celtic so concerned about Jota?
Concerns about Jota have grown again following his return to first-team action against Motherwell, with fears his return may be rushed after his recent involvement.
Brown told Football Insider on 13 October that Jota's return will come as a huge boost to O'Neill's side, who have been badly in need of positive news in recent weeks.
Pressure had started to build in the stands at Parkhead after a poor run before the international break, and O'Neill will take any opportunity to ease those frustrations.
The winger's return will be welcome on the pitch, where he could play a key role in what had become a problem position, but also in the stands with fans happy to see him back in action.
However, they must ensure that the positives surrounding his comeback do not cloud their judgement with regard to what is best for his fitness and continues rehabilitation.