Jota has been brought in from the cold after being included in Al-Ittihad's Club World Cup squad for next month's tournament in Saudi Arabia
The Portuguese winger has been linked with a loan return to Celtic or a switch to the English Premier League following his disastrous £25 million move in the summer to the Saudi club.
He was omitted from their squad for the league and Rodgers suggested he would 'ask Michael Nicholson' when quizzed about a possible return to Glasgow at the AGM.
However, new manager Marcelo Gallardo appears prepared to give Jota his chance after including him in the initial squad for the tournament.
Al-Ittihad face New Zealand side Auckland City in the first round in Jeddah and would then face Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the next round if they go through.
Jota made a total of 51 league starts for Celtic and scored 21 goals in his loan spell and permanent move.
Meanwhile, Scott Brown believes Brendan Rodgers should be looking to add some firepower to his attack in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Hoops are of course boosted with the talented Kyogo Furuhashi at the top end of the pitch, but in terms of depth in attack, they appear to be struggling.
Celtic are yet to really fill the void of Giorgos Giakoumakis after the Greek forward moved to MLS side Atlanta back in February, with new signing Oh Hyeon-gyu failing to really hit the heights of the potential he showed under Ange Postecoglou.
Former Parkhead skipper Brown now feels it is time for investment into the front line and he reckons deals will be done in January. He told luckyblock.com: “I think Brendan will be looking to sign another striker in January.
“Kyogo Furuhashi has been on fire this season, but they’re perhaps missing a spark up there with him.
I’m sure Brendan will want to strengthen every position if he can, so it all depends on how much money he’s going to get to spend. I’m sure they’ll do it wisely and within their budget."
