Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said Jota could return sooner than expected.
The Portuguese winger, sidelined since last April with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, has made "positive progress," according to O'Neill.
There were setbacks in his rehabilitation, but he is now back in contact training with his teammates.
Despite not being part of Celtic's 25-man UEFA Europa League squad, O'Neill is hopeful about his return.
Initially, Jota was expected back around Halloween.
O'Neill said: "He’s coming along very well. Again, it’s disappointing to not have him for Europe.
"He’s been out a long time and who knows, in the last three games in the Europa League we could have done with him.
Read more
Reason for Celtic & Rangers transfer collapse as target 'stubbornly made to stay' I've seen how good ex-Celtic star is - he'll revive his career after his exit
"It’s been a long time but he’s been doing really well in small-sided matches he’s been involved in.
"He’s not been stretched too much yet, but that will come over this month.
"He might be ready more quickly than I thought."
O'Neill is also hopeful about the early return of Alistair Johnston.
The Canadian right-back picked up a hamstring injury against Kilmarnock at the start of August and hasn't played since.
He was due to return in October.
Hyun-jun Yang, who has scored two goals in his last two games, will be absent for the next few weeks.
He was named as one of three overage players in South Korea's Asian Games squad.
Yang will miss Celtic's match against St Johnstone on Wednesday, their double-header against Rangers, and their first Europa League match versus Ferencvaros.
O'Neill said: "He’s done really well.
"South Korea have to win that competition for him to be excused from national service.
"Japan are in there too, so that is strong opposition.
"I think he’s ordered himself to win it."
