Jupp Heynckes: 'Mario Gomez deserved time to prove fitness for World Cup'

Former Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes has claimed that Mario Gomez deserved more time to prove his fitness for this summer's World Cup.

Gomez was left out of Germany's provisional squad for the tournament after struggling with injury throughout the season with Fiorentina, but Heynckes believes that Joachim Low could regret not giving the 28-year-old a chance to force his way into his plans.

"Gomez has been injured for a long time," Heynckes told Bild.

"One can understand the decision, but I certainly would have waited until the last moment to see whether Mario got fit again or not.

"The coach has called up Sami Khedira and Miroslav Klose, who were both injured for a long time."

Gomez has scored 25 goals in 59 games for Germany.