Dortmund's "Borussia" has confirmed that Mario Gotze, who is suffering from a rare muscular disease, will not play in matches until at least the beginning of next season.
The condition of the midfielder, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup, was reported back in February, but the rehabilitation period was not announced at that time.
"The player's goal is to be fully ready to return to playing matches by the start of next season," the club said in a statement.
BvB also added that they are confident that Gotze will be able to participate in special training sessions in the summer.
This season has been particularly tough for the 24-year-old German. In the Bundesliga championship, he has only played in 11 matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist for a teammate.
