Benfica namecheck Jota in Celtic preview ahead of ‘reunion’

Jota will make a return to his home town for the Europa League tie even if he won't play any minutes.

By James McLaughlin · The National

Published: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 7:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Benfica highlighted former academy graduate Jota in their preview ahead of facing Celtic in the Europa League.
Jota is ineligible to play against Benfica after being omitted from Celtic manager Martin O'Neill's European squad.
The winger returned to action in Celtic's 2-0 win over Motherwell following an 18-month ACL injury absence.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Benfica highlighted former academy graduate Jota in their official matchday preview ahead of their upcoming Europa League fixture against Celtic at the Estádio da Luz. Despite the Portuguese club previewing a reunion with the winger, Jota will not participate in the match after being left out of manager Martin O'Neill's Europa League squad.

The 27-year-old attacker recently made his return to action during Celtic's 2-0 victory against Motherwell on Sunday, ending an 18-month absence caused by an ACL injury suffered in April 2025. Jota originally played for Benfica in 2018/19 and 2019/20 before moving to Celtic, initially on loan and later permanently.

Read the full article on The National

Benfica namecheck Jota in Celtic preview ahead of ‘reunion’

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