Can Jota play in the Europa League? Celtic’s registration options explained

Jota remains outside Celtic’s Europa League squad despite returning to domestic action after his lengthy knee injury.

The winger made his competitive comeback against Motherwell before playing the second half of Sunday’s 7-1 victory over Hearts. His return gives Martin O’Neill another attacking option, but European selection requires a separate registration change.

UEFA’s regulations provide a potential route into the squad during the league phase. It depends on Celtic meeting the conditions for replacing a player with a long-term injury or illness.

Why is Jota outside Celtic’s Europa League squad?

Jota was omitted from Celtic’s European squad while recovering from the knee injury that had kept him out since April 2025.

His continued absence from the list was noted in Sky Sports’ report on his recovery, published on Monday 19 October.

The league-phase registration deadline was 2 September. Becoming available for Scottish Premiership matches does not automatically add a player to the European list.

That explains why his comeback against Motherwell could be followed by an absence from the squad for Celtic’s trip to Benfica.

Could Celtic register Jota as an injury replacement?

Potentially. Under Article 31.14 of UEFA’s Europa League regulations, clubs may temporarily replace one outfield player during the league phase, up to and including matchday six.

The conditions include:

• The registered player being replaced must have an injury or illness lasting at least 60 days.
• The replacement must already have been registered with the club before the September squad deadline.
• Celtic must continue to meet UEFA’s requirements for locally trained players.
• Medical evidence must be submitted, with UEFA able to request an additional examination before approving the replacement.

Jota was already a Celtic player before the deadline, so that requirement would not itself prevent his inclusion.

The medical condition applies to the player being removed from the European squad. Jota’s own lengthy absence does not automatically entitle Celtic to make a change now that he has recovered.

Has Celtic used that option?

No Celtic amendment appears in UEFA’s published squad-change register dated 15 October, while Monday’s reporting still identifies Jota as outside the squad.

The regulation therefore establishes a possible route back, rather than confirmation that Celtic have applied for or received approval.

It also creates a temporary arrangement. If the injured player resumes his place after recovering, the replacement must come off the list. The original player remains ineligible for UEFA club competitions throughout the minimum 60-day period, even if he recovers sooner.

When is the next standard registration deadline?

If Celtic reach the knockout phase, they can make changes under UEFA’s subsequent registration rules.

The deadline is 4 February 2027 at 23:59 CET. Clubs can normally register up to three new eligible players for the remaining matches, while respecting the squad limit and locally trained player requirements.

Those additions can include existing players who were omitted earlier in the season. Jota would therefore be an option for Celtic, alongside any other players O’Neill wanted to introduce.

That route depends on Celtic remaining in the competition and choosing to register him.

What does his comeback mean for Celtic now?

Jota’s immediate progress is encouraging. He returned as a 74th-minute substitute at Motherwell on 11 October, then received the entire second half against Hearts a week later.

The 7-1 win over Hearts also featured doubles from Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren, giving O’Neill several attacking positives after the defeat in Lisbon.

For Jota, domestic appearances provide an opportunity to rebuild match fitness. His European availability will depend on Celtic completing an approved registration change.