Celtic's dynamic winger, Jota, has been dealt a significant blow with a cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out of action for six to nine months. The injury occurred during a commanding 5-0 victory over Dundee United, where Jota had to be substituted in the first half. This setback comes just as Celtic clinched their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title.

Manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his disappointment, stating, "Sadly for us and for him, he'll be out for a period of time, probably six to nine months. It's the cruciate and it was worse than we'd hoped." Despite the grim news, Rodgers remains supportive, highlighting Jota's positive outlook on life and the comprehensive support he will receive from the club.

Since his return to Celtic from Rennes in January, Jota has been a pivotal figure, making 16 appearances, starting nine, and netting five goals. His absence will be felt as Celtic prepares for a crucial match against city rivals Rangers this Sunday, aiming to break a streak of two consecutive losses in Old Firm league encounters.

This injury not only impacts Celtic's immediate tactical setups but also raises questions about their depth and resilience as they navigate through this challenging period without one of their key players.