Opinion

Celtic could be set to welcome back exciting spark from injury at the ideal time

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Celtic could be set to welcome back an ideal bright spark, in Jota, to the side following the Champions League disappointment on Tuesday night.

In recent weeks, the Bhoys have suffered from their fair share of crucial injury issues, missing key players, such as captain Callum McGregor.

However, slowly but surely, Ange Postecoglou is beginning to welcome back more members of his squad, with David Turnbull and Carl Starfelt marking their return to training during the week.

FBL-EUR-C1-CELTIC-PRESSER
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images

And this weekend, the Celtic boss has suggested that we could see another return to one of the squad’s brightest sparks this season at an ideal time.

Speaking ahead of the Bhoys’ midweek Champions League outing against Shakhtar Donetsk, Postecoglou stated that he expected to see Jota back in contention this Sunday.

Although we will have to wait for the 57-year-old’s latest media briefing tomorrow afternoon, if his injury timeline on Tuesday was anything to go off, the winger should be in contention for Livingston.

Jota return a timely boost after the reflection of Champions League disappointment.

Ange Postecoglou wouldn’t have let his squad get too down, following on from such a disappointing end to our European hopes on Tuesday evening.

However, it is only natural that the players and coaching staff come away with that feeling in the aftermath of a campaign that could have been so much more.

Joao Pedro Neves Filipe knowns as Jota (R) of Celtic FC seen
Photo by Attila Husejnow/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

So, by welcoming back a player of Jota’s quality, it could come at the perfect time for the Celtic squad, who will be buzzing to see another key contributor return.

His record this season speaks for itself, scoring five goals and providing five assists in his 12 appearances. And he is going to be a huge player before and after the World Cup break.

Even if it is unlikely that the 23-year-old will start, his presence on the bench is a huge factor, with Postecoglou being able to bring another match-winner on later in the game.

Not only will his teammates be buzzing by the return, but Jota himself will arguably be the happiest man to be back amongst the squad after his recent selection for Portugal’s provisional World Cup squad.

Overall, his return from injury just comes at an ideal time for all parties as we look to kick on in the Scottish Premiership after what has felt like a bit of a stop-start beginning to the campaign due to our Champions League involvement.

Celtic v Rangers - Cinch Scottish Premiership
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Now, we can just get our heads down, get the disappointment and frustration out of the way, and get down to work on winning all three trophies in Scotland.

Here’s hoping we can get confirmation and some positive news from Postecoglou regarding Jota’s selection hopes this Sunday.

It would certainly be a boost for all to see him back!

In other news, Reinvigorated Celtic loanee looking to fire side to European knockout spot.