Celtic winger Jota is set to be out for six to nine months with an ACL injury. With manager Brendan Rodgers stressing the club need to strengthen in the football summer.

The 26-year-old, who rejoined the Scottish champions from Rennes in January. Suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s 5-0 win over Dundee United.ทางเข้า UFABET

Jota was substituted at half-time at Tannadyce as Celtic won their fourth successive Scottish Premiership. With the Portuguese winger forced off on crutches.

“Sadly it’s not good news for him or for us,” Rodgers said.

“It didn’t look bad at all, but when he went for a check-up, it turned out he would be out for about six to nine months.”

“He has an ACL injury and some minor injuries. He’s quite positive and philosophical about it.”

Jota impressed during his first spell at Celtic on loan from Benfica. But has fallen out of favour after being sold to Al Ittihad in 2023 and then Rennes.

He made 16 appearances, starting nine, after returning to Celtic, scoring five goals, but Rodgers revealed he was expecting the player to return after a strong pre-season to improve his fitness levels.

“Sadly, that came to a head,” Rodgers said.

“He had a challenging two or three years after leaving here in Saudi Arabia but I have to say he is a very positive young man and I am quite sure he will come back a stronger player.”

“Of course we have to enter the market, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s always like this, you’re always looking for ways to improve your front line, but there’s no doubt that this news will shine a big light on that area of ​​the pitch for us.”