Monday 27 February 2017 21:12, UK
Borussia Dortmund will be without Mario Gotze for the foreseeable future after the discovery of a metabolism disorder.
Gotze, who scored Germany's winner in the 2014 World Cup final victory over Argentina, has struggled with injuries and form since returning to Dortmund from a three-year spell at Bayern Munich, where he was mainly used as a substitute.
Following recent complaints of muscular issues from Gotze, Dortmund announced an internal investigation into possible causes revealed "metabolic disturbances, rendering it absolutely necessary to withdraw him from team training for the time being".
"I am in the process of getting treatment and I will do everything I can to get back into training as quickly as possible to help my team achieve our common goals," Gotze told Dortmund's official website on Monday.
Gotze came back to Dortmund on a four-year deal last summer following his unsuccessful spell at Bayern, where he had been one of Pep Guardiola's first signings at the Allianz Arena.
The 24-year-old has not played at all for Dortmund this month after picking up a leg injury and was dropped for their home Bundesliga win over second-placed RB Leipzig at the start of February because of poor form.
"We are glad to know the reasons for Mario's complaints and we are convinced that after recovering he will give us extra quality with his exceptional abilities," said Dortmund's director of sport Michael Zorc.
"Mario gets the full backing and maximum support from all of us at Borussia Dortmund on his way back."
