Benfica academy chief Guilherme Muller has sent a warm message to Jota ahead of Celtic’s Europa League clash in Lisbon, even though the winger will not be able to feature against his former club.

But the Benfica game comes with a frustration attached.

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The 27-year-old was not included in Celtic’s Europa League squad, so he cannot be involved at the Estádio da Luz despite being back on the pitch domestically.

Jota came through Benfica’s academy before his career took him to Celtic, and he has previously described the club’s training base as the “Disneyland of football”.

Speaking to SunSport, Muller said: “The most important thing is that we are very happy to see Jota back after his injury.

“Of course, we would love to see him return to our stadium and welcome him back home.”

That would have been a special night for Jota.

Muller was also asked about Jota’s “Disneyland” description of the Benfica academy.

He said: “There is one important difference though: at Disneyland you are there just to have fun.

”At Adidas Benfica Campus, there is a lot of hard work behind the magic!”

He arrived there young, learned his football in their academy system, and has since built a career that has taken him to Celtic, where supporters know exactly what he can do when fully fit.

Muller added: “We are very proud of Jota and the journey he has made.”

Jota’s comeback at Motherwell gives O’Neill another option in the league, where Celtic need more quality in wide areas and better decision-making around the box.

Tonight in Lisbon, though, he will be watching rather than playing.

That is a pity for the player and for the occasion, because a Benfica return in green and white would have added emotion to an already difficult European night.