Jota Faces Rennes Setback

Jota’s Rennes start has reached a setback, with the winger now nursing an injury and set to miss the side’s game against Lens on Saturday.

It comes after he managed to end his tough stint in the Saudi Pro League. His move from Celtic to Al-Ittihad last year for £25 million didn’t pan out as expected, leading to his return to Europe with hopes of re-establishing his form.

Now, with just two substitute appearances for Rennes, Jota faces an uncertain recovery period due to a muscle injury, leaving his new manager, Julian Stephan, cautious about the winger’s immediate future.

He said: “Jota may be too weak for this weekend. He has a muscle issue and we are on alert. It remains to be seen when he is back.” [RecordSport]

Whether he regrets the move to Saudi or not, his career has stagnated, if not regressed.

Many Celtic fans had hoped for a return this summer, with Jota seemingly keen on the idea, but there wasn’t any reported move from Celtic. Bringing players back to a club doesn’t always work, and with the big financial outlay, it would be a gamble.

I’d argue that Nicolas Kuhn, with the form he’s shown this season, could be a replacement for Jota, albeit on the opposite flank.

The winger struggled initially after his January signing, but after a pre-season with the manager, he’s kicked on.