Borussia Dortmund chief backs Mario Gotze to rediscover form when he has recovered from 'metabolic disorders'  

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Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has backed Mario Gotze to return to his best once he has returned from his illness. 

Gotze has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with what the Bundesliga club has described as 'metabolic disorders'. 

The 24-year-old has struggled for form since his return to the Westfalenstadion from Bayern Munich but Watzke is adamant the transfer will turn out to be a success. 

Borussia Dortmund confirm Mario Gotze has responded well to metabolic disorder treatment

The midfielder was sidelined indefinitely in February but is targeting a comeback next season

'We have very high hopes that he will fully recover and get back to his best,' Watzke told Bild.

'If the treatment is successful, and things appear to be going well right now, Mario can rediscover his best form eventually.

'He is doing alright if you bear the circumstances in mind. But it is only logical that an ambitious professional like Mario is not feeling great when you are missing the decisive stages of the season and big games against Bayern. 

'I do not think the high expectations got the better of him. Mario is a very calm guy. He has shown for a number of years that he can deal with high expectations. That was not the problem.'

Dortmund are currently third in the Bundesliga table, three points behind second-placed RB Leipzig and 13 behind leaders Bayern Munich.  

Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke believes Gotze will return to his best form next season