Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has provided some much-needed good news ahead of Sunday’s Premiership return against Motherwell.
The Irishman confirmed that first-team trio Jota, Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand have all made progress in their respective recoveries.
These updates potentially strengthen O’Neill’s options during a demanding run of fixtures that awaits the squad.
Jota Takes Major Step Forward
The most significant development relates to the Superstar from Portugal, who has not featured in nearly 18 months.
The Portuguese winger completed 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors match against Falkirk last Friday.
It marked his first game involvement since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Dundee United in April 2025.
Speaking to CelticPlayer, the legendary Celtic manager confirmed the positive update.
“Jota had 45 minutes in a bounce game against Falkirk last Friday, and that was nice, that was really good,” said O’Neill.
The appearance represents a major milestone in what has been a long and carefully managed recovery process.
Encouraging Signs Across the Treatment Room
O’Neill also confirmed progress for two other key squad members.
“Alistair Johnston’s on the grass now and young Callum Osmand is doing the same as well, so that’s encouraging,” he added.
Neither player has been given a definitive return date at this stage.
Celtic will be wary of accelerating their rehabilitation unnecessarily.
This caution is especially important with the fixture schedule about to intensify significantly.
The manager requires considerably more depth than he had available during September.
Why This Timing Matters
These developments arrive at an important moment for the club.
Celtic entered the international break following three successive defeats, including two against Rangers.
O’Neill’s squad will play nine matches in 28 days following their return to action.
Jota remains the headline return, but Johnston’s eventual availability would strengthen Celtic at right-back.
Osmand would provide another attacking alternative in a congested period.
O’Neill described the progress of both players as “encouraging” while stressing the need for careful management.
O’Neill on Determination and Focus
The Celtic manager struck a positive note when discussing the wider squad mentality.
“The determination is there within the team, which is something hopefully that I can control. It’s there in abundance and I don’t think it ever leaves you,” he said.
He acknowledged that a couple of other injuries remain a bit further behind but insisted progress is being made.
“The game against Falkirk was competitive, it was really good, and it was obviously worthwhile, worthwhile for me and John McGlynn too,” O’Neill continued.
“It was nice. But again, the focus is the most important thing and the encouragement now with some of your good players coming back will be great.”
That sense of renewed optimism could prove valuable as the team prepares for a testing sequence of matches.
Jota’s Potential Impact
O’Neill went further when reflecting on what Jota’s return could mean for the side.
“For instance, Jota, I’d have to go back and look at videos of him, they tell me he was terrific before he headed out to Saudi, came back, picked up the injury, so it’s been a long time,” he explained.
“That will definitely – I know it’s an old cliché – that definitely will feel like a new player coming to the club, as far as I’m concerned anyway.”
The Portuguese attacker’s ability to stretch opposition defences and deliver quality from wide areas has long been a feature of Celtic’s best performances.
His absence has forced O’Neill to reshuffle attacking options and rely more heavily on other creative outlets.
Even a gradual reintegration would offer the manager greater tactical flexibility in the weeks ahead.
Celtic’s recent results have placed additional pressure on the squad’s resources.
Three straight defeats, including the double setback against Rangers, highlighted the need for fresh legs and alternative options.
The international break provided a chance to reset, but the return fixture list leaves little room for error.
Sunday’s trip to face Motherwell marks the start of that intense period.
Nine games in 28 days will test squad depth like few other stretches this season.
Having players such as Jota, Johnston and Osmand moving closer to availability offers a timely boost.
Tactical Considerations Ahead
From a tactical perspective, Johnston’s return would restore balance on the right side of defence.
His athleticism and ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases have made him a reliable presence when fully fit.
Osmand’s progress adds another layer of competition in attacking areas, giving O’Neill more choices when rotating the side.
Jota’s eventual reappearance carries the greatest potential to alter the team’s attacking dynamics.
His capacity to isolate full-backs and create overloads on the flanks remains a significant weapon.
Even if his minutes are carefully managed at first, the psychological lift of seeing him back in contention should not be underestimated.
Fan Reaction and Squad Morale
Supporters have endured a difficult period marked by results and uncertainty over key personnel.
Positive injury updates of this nature tend to shift the mood around the club quickly.
The prospect of familiar faces returning generates a sense of renewed possibility among the fanbase.
O’Neill has been careful not to overstate the timelines.
He made clear that the focus remains on controlled progress rather than rushing anyone back.
That measured approach is designed to protect both the players and the team’s longer-term prospects.
Managing the Fixture Congestion
The coming weeks will demand careful squad management from the Celtic hierarchy.
Rotation will be essential if the side is to maintain intensity across domestic and European commitments.
Having additional options emerging from the treatment room eases some of that burden.
Johnston and Osmand’s return to grass work is an early but meaningful step.
Their continued progress will be monitored closely in the training sessions that follow.
Jota’s 45-minute outing against Falkirk provides the clearest indication yet that a return to competitive action is moving closer.
Looking Ahead to Motherwell and Beyond
Attention now turns to the immediate challenge of Motherwell on Sunday.
O’Neill will assess his available options in the coming days as he prepares the side for the restart.
Any further positive updates on the injured trio would only strengthen the sense of momentum.
The manager has consistently emphasised determination within the group.
That quality, combined with gradually improving availability, offers a platform for a stronger second phase of the campaign.
Celtic’s ability to navigate the congested schedule will depend heavily on how effectively they utilise returning players.
The Bigger Picture for O’Neill’s Squad
Depth has been a recurring theme throughout recent weeks.
Injuries forced the manager into difficult selection decisions during the losing run.
The latest reports suggest the situation is beginning to ease, even if full recoveries remain some way off.
Jota’s long absence has been particularly felt in the final third.
His creativity and directness are difficult to replace entirely from within the current group.
Seeing him complete 45 competitive minutes in a bounce game is therefore one of the more encouraging developments of the international break.
Johnston’s presence on the grass similarly points to improved defensive options in the near future.
Osmand’s progress adds further competition for places in attack.
Together, these updates provide O’Neill with reasons for optimism as the fixture list intensifies.
Careful Progress Remains the Priority
Celtic will continue to manage all three players carefully in the days and weeks ahead.
There is no suggestion of any sudden return to full training or first-team involvement.
The emphasis remains on ensuring each individual is fully ready before being exposed to the demands of Premiership and European football.
O’Neill’s comments reflect a balanced outlook.
He welcomed the progress while keeping expectations in check.
That approach has characterised the club’s handling of longer-term injuries throughout this period.
The treatment room is finally beginning to offer the manager some positive news after a challenging stretch.
For a squad preparing to face nine matches in under a month, every available body matters.
Jota, Johnston and Osmand are not yet back, but they are moving in the right direction.
What Comes Next
Sunday’s meeting with Motherwell will provide the first opportunity to assess the side’s response after the international break.
O’Neill will hope the positive injury updates translate into improved energy and belief within the group.
Further details on recovery timelines are likely to emerge as the players continue their rehabilitation work.
In the meantime, the focus remains on the immediate task.
Celtic need results and performances to regain momentum following the recent setbacks.
Having key personnel edging closer to a return can only help that process.
Martin O’Neill has delivered a rare dose of good news at a time when the club needed it most.
The coming weeks will reveal how significant these developments prove to be.
For now, supporters can take encouragement from the knowledge that help is on the way.