Andre Schurrle withdraws from Germany squad to 'work on fitness levels'

André Schürrle is sick again.  And I don't mean sick in the sense that "whoa, dude, did you see that rabona; that was sick," I mean it in the sense that he's actually ill.  Again.  Or is it still?  Or not sick at all, but then why bring it up in the first place?

"André Schürrle has pulled out of the Germany squad for the upcoming EURO 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar [...] and the following friendly against Spain..."

"Schürrle could only complete a reduced training programme in October due to illness. After consulting Joachim Löw, he will stay in London in order to complete individual training and optimise his fitness levels."

-source: DFB

Apparently this also precludes him from attending a visit with the President of Germany on Monday to receive some commendation and to watch a celebratory movie.  Which is a bit sad for one Germany's World Cup heroes.

Unfortunately, André's had a bit of a rough time since the World Cup, though a persistent, lingering illness could go some way towards explaining just why he's become so subpar.  At least at the start of the season he was getting into good positions, just the shots weren't falling, sometimes at comical rates like against Bolton.  But lately, even that part of his play has started to suffer.  Missing another wide open goal midweek against Maribor (though it wouldn't have counted anyway because of the offside flag) hasn't helped his chances and he wasn't even in the matchday squad against Liverpool.  Though perhaps that decision and the decision to withdraw form the national team are related.

In any case, get well soon, André!  Both off and on the pitch!