BERLIN, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Mario Goetze will be sidelined for an unknown period of time, Borussia Dortmund confirmed via the club's official homepage on Monday.

The midfielder suffers from a metabolic disorder and will be sidelined indefinitely. Goetze has been struggling with muscular problems in recent months, which led to a physicians examination that diagnosed the disorder.

"We are glad to know the reasons for Marion's afflictions and we are convinced that after his recovery he will be available with all his qualities and extraordinary abilities," Dortmund's sporting director Michael Zorc said.

According to the club's statement, the diagnosis made it absolutely necessary to take Mario Goetze out of training.

"I am currently under medical treatment, but I will do everything I can to get back to training as soon possible to help my team," Goetze said.

After Goetze's comeback to Dortmund in the summer of 2024, the midfielder made only 11 appearances providing one goal and one assist.

The BVB currently sit on 3rd place of the Bundesliga standings. Thomas Tuchel's men will encounter Bayer Leverkusen in the 23rd round on Saturday.