Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze will return to full training in the next few days as he steps up his recovery from a “metabolic problem”.

The 25-year-old, whose playing time was restricted to just 24 minutes in 2017, was ruled out of action at the end of February after the cause of his long-term muscle problems was found to be linked to his metabolism.

Gotze, who returned to  Borussia Dortmund last summer after spending three years with Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, confirmed on his Instagram account yesterday that he was reaching the final stages of his rehabilitation.

The Germany international said: “As you know, I could not play because of a metabolic problem last (season).

“Nevertheless, I have had to complete a sporting and medical rehabilitation program over five months. I’m really in a very good way.

“Tomorrow I can enter the third phase of my rehabilitation program.

“This means: To complete the performance test with my BVB team colleagues and then enter training in the next (few) days.

“I am infinitely happy to be back on the pitch and able to play football again soon.”

Gotze, who scored the only goal of the 2014 World Cup final to hand Germany their fourth title, had a message of thanks to his fans.

He added: “You have been extremely supportive of me in the last few months. Your messages and desires were impressive and motivating.”