Borussia Dortmund lose Mario Gotze to 'metabolic disorder' as Germany star faces another injury setback

Mario Gotze has been withdrawn from Borussia Dortmund training because of a 'metabolic disorder'. Gotze has not played a game this month, and has had his season constantly interrupted by muscular injuries. And now Dortmund have put out a statement saying that it is 'absolutely necessary' to stop the German training, although they did not specify how long he would be out for.

Mario Gotze has been withdrawn from Dortmund training because of a 'metabolic disorder'

'Borussia Dortmund will have to do without their midfielder Mario Gotze,' read the club's statement.

'The world champion has been struggling with muscular problems in recent months, leading to a thorough internal search for possible causes.

'Investigations have now revealed metabolic disorders, which make it absolutely necessary to take Gotze out of training.' 

Gotze added: 'I am getting treatment and will do everything to get back into training again to help our team reach our goals.'

Gotze has only started nine league games since moving back to Dortmund from Bayern Munich this summer, with injuries plaguing his return season. 

But sporting director Michael Zorc said the club would support Gotze until he was fit, and insisted that it was a good thing that the club now knew of the underlying reasons for his problems.

'We are glad, that we now know the reasons for Mario's problems and we are convinced that he will give us an extra quality with his extraordinary skills once he has completely recovered,' said Zorc.

'Everybody at the BVB will give him full support.'