Fabinho, O’Riley react to Jota’s ‘crazy’ message after devastating injury update
Brighton’s Matt O’Riley and Al-Ittihad star Fabinho reacted to a heartfelt message from Celtic ace Jota after an update on his injury.
Amidst Celtic’s celebrations for winning the Premiership, and fans throwing tangerines onto Dundee United’s pitch in protest of ticket prices, the Portuguese winger’s injury went largely unnoticed.
Jota limped off in the 35th minute, being replaced by the in-form Adam Idah who went on to score twice in the second half.
The injury did not look all too serious, with the ex-Rennes winger able to walk off with little assistance, but it has now been revealed that Jota will be out of action for between six to nine months after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury [BBC Sport].
Jota sends heartfelt message to Celtic fans after injury
Following confirmation that the injury would rule him out for an extended period of time, Jota shared a message on Instagram which read: “So, just passing by to let yous’ know from myself. Obviously pretty [expletive] and all of that stuff buuuttt, the amount of crazy worse things that could have happen is huge right.
“I’ve made my professional debut about 10 years ago. I believe now this being life whistling for the career half time break and giving me this deep inner breath to get me ready for the 2nd half of this ride. (and mannn, how exciting it will be).
“I’ll now retreat, allow the wounds to naturally heal and give me the opportunity to embrace the growth that only stillness and pain can teach. things are about to slow down, and as a good friend once told me.. ‘Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast’.
“See you very soon on the pitch, Love you all!”
The post was then liked by his former Celtic teammate, O’Riley, whilst his ex-Al Ittihad teammate Fabinho commented: “Forca Jotinha. God bless your recovery.”
Celtic forced to search for Jota replacement after injury
Football Insider Verdict
After two years spent trying to find his place in the footballing world, Jota returned to Celtic in January and looked revitalised.
The Portuguese winger scored in his first appearance for the Hoops since leaving the club in a 3-1 win over Motherwell and has gone on to notch four goals in seven starts.
| 2024/25 Premiership stats | Jota |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Starts | 7 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Minutes | 571 |
What’s more, Jota’s return also allowed Daizen Maeda to be used as a central striker, which has resulted in the Japan international scoring 33 times in all competitions this season.
Now, Celtic will be forced into the transfer market in search of a replacement for the winger.
Kyogo Furuhashi has endured a difficult time at Rennes since joining in January, as Jota did, and he may choose to follow the same path and move back to Parkhead.