Celtic’s Jota blow is a wake-up call to the board ahead of important summer transfer window

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Celtic have a real dilemma on their hands after news of Jota’s injury.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed that Jota would be ruled out for nine months following an injury picked up in the title-clinching clash against Dundee United.

He was spotted on crutches at Tannadice after the game and during the celebrations.

Jota was one of four Celtic players missing from training ahead of this weekend’s Glasgow derby clash against Rangers this weekend and will play no further part until 2026 at the earliest it seems.

It’s a bitter blow for the Bhoys, but one that will be a reminder to the hierarchy of how important the summer transfer window is going to be.

• READ MORE: Andy Halliday stunned at Celtic hero return claim, alongside Jota and Kieran Tierney comebacks

Jota’s fairytale return has turned into a nightmare

Jota was ‘excited’ at the prospect of returning to Celtic after rejoining from Rennes in January.

His lack of game time means he has been getting up to speed but has still contributed plenty of times, scoring five times in 16 games for the Bhoys.

The Portuguese winger was getting better and better but his injury has now derailed not only his, but Celtic’s plans going forward.

It’s unlikely we will see the 26-year-old before 2026 at the earliest and now, as a result, the message is loud and clear for the Celtic owners.

Celtic have to recruit in the attacking department this summer

As if it wasn’t clear enough already, Rodgers must have attackers on his shortlist this summer.

Outside of the big four (Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, Jota and Nicolas Kuhn), the options aren’t there, and frankly, a downgrade at this moment in time.

James Forrest can do a job and Hyun-Jun Yang isn’t consistent enough, meaning that they must upgrade.

Whether that can be someone who plays out wide and up front, or one or the other, it must be Celtic’s priority.

The Bhoys have been given a wake-up call in the worst way possible and now the owners simply have to provide the Celtic manager with the tools needed to bolster the attacking line or face the risk of allowing rivals to catch up.