Martin O’Neill confirms Jota boost as Celtic receive positive Johnston and Osmand news
· Yahoo Sports
Martin O’Neill has delivered an encouraging triple Celtic injury update on Jota, Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand.
The Hoops boss has confirmed Jota successfully came through 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors game against Falkirk during the international break as the winger steps up his long-awaited comeback.
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The Portuguese star has been sidelined since suffering an ACL injury last April but has recently returned to training at Lennoxtown.
Reports emerged that Jota had featured in Celtic’s bounce game against Falkirk last Friday, and O’Neill has now confirmed the 27-year-old came through the run-out without any apparent setback.
There is also positive news on Johnston and Osmand, although the pair remain further away from a first-team return.
Johnston has been working his way back from his own lengthy injury absence, while Osmand is also progressing with his rehabilitation.
Both players are now back working on the grass at Lennoxtown as Celtic gradually begin to welcome some of their long-term absentees back into the fold.
Asked for an update on the injured players, O’Neill told Celtic Player: “Yeah, I can. I can give you a decent report. Jota did 45 minutes in a bounce game we had against Falkirk last Friday. That was nice. That was really good.
“I notice now that Alistair Johnston’s on the grass. He’s coming into Lennoxtown when they’re doing some build-up work. That’s encouraging.
“Young Osmand is doing the same as well too, so that’s very encouraging. A couple of other injuries, I think they’re a wee bit further behind. But yeah, we’re making progress.”
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