Low confirms Gotze will miss Confederations Cup

Berlin - Germany's head coach, Joachim Low, confirmed Thursday that World Cup winner Mario Gotze will not play at June's Confederations Cup in Russia as he recovers from a metabolism disorder.

"Mario won't be with us at the Confed Cup," said Low at an event in Hamburg.

"He should take the time, which he needs, to be fit and well again for pre-season training for next season."

Low revealed Gotze is "responding well" to treatment.

"One thing is certain, he will make a full recovery and will be able to play again," said the 57-year-old.

Gotze scored the winning goal for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, but has been sidelined since February after his club Borussia Dortmund revealed he has an unspecified metabolism disorder.

Low said it was a "relief" for the player to know there is a medical reason behind his poor performances this season after returning to Dortmund following an unhappy three-year spell at Bayern Munich.

Germany has been drawn with Australia, Cameroon, and Chile in Group B at the Confederation Cup, which runs from June 17-July 2.