Dortmund's Gotze out for season due to metabolic disorder

Despite responding well to the first phase of treatment just weeks after being diagnosed with a metabolic disorder, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze won't suit up again this season.

The team confirmed Gotze is expected to begin training this summer, with hopes that he will return to fitness ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.

A statement on Dortmund's website read: "If he responds positively to treatment, Gotze can start back training in early summer. The midfield player is currently undergoing rehab and an individual training programme.

"The long term target for the player is to be fully fit and ready to play for the start of next season.

The 24-year-old played sporadically before and after the Bundesliga winter break before he was was ruled indefinitely following the diagnosis in February.

Gotze only managed to appear in 11 league matches after rejoining BVB last summer following three seasons with defending Bundesliga champion Bayer Munich.