Jota’s absence from the pitch has felt like forever, nearly 18 months stretching since that brutal cruciate ligament damage he suffered on April 26, 2025. But hold up, Celtic fans! A massive wave of belief just crashed in from his former teammate Paulo Bernardo, and it’s got everyone talking. Bernardo, who watched Jota’s grueling rehab up close before he left Glasgow, is absolutely convinced the Portuguese star is about to become a major figure for Celtic, again. This isn’t just wishful thinking either; Bernardo saw the grind firsthand.
The Insider Report: What Bernardo Saw Up Close
You know it’s real when a player’s former teammate, someone who was in the trenches with them, speaks with such conviction. Paulo Bernardo, now on loan at Górnik Zabrze, didn’t just hear about Jota’s recovery from a distance; he lived it alongside him at the club. Bernardo described the rehabilitation as a “hard time” for Jota and recalled how they were “almost together every time” at the club, constantly in contact. He watched Jota push through everything from basic exercises to “harder and harder” sessions, eventually getting back “on the pitch.”
Bernardo felt genuinely “happy” seeing his compatriot improve day by day. His optimism isn’t some empty compliment; it comes from sharing the training ground through a recovery that demanded insane patience, repetition, and a whole lot of lonely hours. That’s why his words carry so much weight, isn’t it? He believes Jota will be “very important for Celtic this season and for the future as well,” calling him an “amazing player” and “one of the most talented players that I’ve played with.” When a guy who’s been there, done that, and seen it all says that, you listen.
Signs of Life: Jota’s Comeback Is On
Bernardo’s strong backing isn’t just coming out of nowhere, either. There have been plenty of encouraging signs for supporters lately. Celtic has been gradually cranking up Jota’s workload at Lennoxtown, which is exactly what you want to hear for a player coming back from such a serious injury. Martin O’Neill even confirmed in September that the winger had been participating in small-sided matches. Then, Celts Are Here dropped the news that Celtic planned a private fixture during the international break, another critical test before he can even think about competitive action. The club’s squad list still has Jota on it, which is another vote of confidence in his eventual return.
Let’s not forget what Jota can do. He returned to Glasgow in an £8 million deal from Rennes after a £25 million move to Al-Ittihad in 2023. His first run with Celtic, back in the 2022/23 domestic treble campaign, was absolutely electric: 15 goals and 12 assists. That’s the kind of production you miss when a guy is out for almost a year and a half, right?
What’s Next for the Emerald Isle Star?
So, with all these positive vibes and visible progress, the big question remains: can Jota really get back to that incredible level he showed before the injury? Bernardo’s deep belief certainly gives fans every reason to hope he can. The stakes are huge for Celtic. Getting a player of Jota’s talent, with his proven track record of delivering goals and assists, back on the field could be a massive boost for their season and well beyond. Everyone’s eyes are on Lennoxtown, just waiting for that final green light. You just know fans are going to absolutely erupt the moment he steps back onto the pitch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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