The attacker has struggled to make any impact in the Pro League since his mega-money Parkhead exit.
Misfit Jota has finally brought his Al-Ittihad exile to an end with boss Marcelo Gallardo giving the winger his Saudi Pro League shot.
The Celtic hero has endured a nightmare season in the Middle East following his £25m departure from the Scottish Premiership - with former boss Nuno not registering the Portuguese star for the list of foreign players allowed in the league squad. That left the 24-year-old all-but forgotten by the defending Saudi champions with cup competitions and occasional Asian Champions League appearances all that the attacker was allowed since his transfer.
However, after failing to secure a return to Europe in January Argentine Gallardo has drafted the wide man back into the fold by adding the forgotten star to the updated squad list. Jota had been included in the eight overseas players allowed in each squad list in January by Ittihad when Pro League sides are allowed to shake up their choices - but had been kept out due to a muscle injury.
But he made his first appearance since December during a late cameo off the bench in the win over Al-Akhoud to bring his nightmare to an end. Boss Gallardo added during his post-match debrief: "We wanted to give Jota some minutes. We want him to get into a groove because he was absent for a long time."
And the man himself took a light-hearted approach to his return on social media. Posting to his Instagram, Jota appeared to poke fun at his extended absence. He wrote: "Work?! Back to my job."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Liverpool injuries pile up as Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez come off at BrentfordLiverpool's list of absentees is piling up after they suffered a potential triple injury blow in Saturday's win at Brentford ahead of a crucial run of games.
Read more »
John Beaton is not Celtic bogeyman declares Brendan Rodgers amid Sfa ref spatThe Parkhead boss is facing an SFA charge following comments made about the performance of the VAR against Hearts.
Read more »
Celtic told to accept offers for six stars with Siegrist and Scott Bain to goThe inside track on the football stories that matter
Read more »
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Defends 'Good Girl' CommentCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers defends himself after being accused of 'casual sexism' for saying 'good girl' to a female reporter. Rodgers expresses his disappointment with society's tendency to find offense in everything.
Read more »
We asked the NI public for its views on Celtic manager comments branded 'sexist'Carnlough man and experienced football manager Rodgers had been accused of making sexist comments
Read more »
Kieran Maguire reveals £10m Celtic advantage over Rangers after fan outrageThe inside track on the football stories that matter
Read more »