JOTA has returned to Celtic after visiting parent club Benfica during the winter break.

The winger was back in Portugal as Scottish premiership football was halted amid strict curbs on fan entry.

Jota, 22, had returned to the Benfica training complex for treatment on a hamstring injury he suffered in a win over Hearts in December.

But Football Scotland reports Jota is back in Scotland and headed back to Lennoxtown yesterday afternoon.

The website claims the attacker is working hard to make his comeback from injury but states he's not yet ready to join in first-team training.

Jota has been in scintillating form for Celtic this season scoring eight and providing six assists in 18 matches so far this term.

His consistent impressive performances have led to calls to sign the winger on permanent terms from Benfica with a buy clause included in the loan deal.

And it's been widely reported that celtic and Benfica have been in dialogue over a transfer for the talented forward.