365 Media Group - Euro 2008 In association with Puma

Germany coach Joachim Low has told Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder that he must be playing first team football if he hopes to return to the international fold.

Metzelder was left out of the Germany squad for their recent friendly with England and Loew has suggested that the 47-cap international should think about leaving the Spanish giants if he cannot secure a regular berth in the side.

"If Christoph wants to get back in the German national team, then he must play either with Real or another club," said Low.

Enormously difficult

Metzelder had previously been a mainstay of the German central defence alongside Per Mertesacker, but after managing only eleven appearances for Madrid during a year and a half stay in the Spanish capital, Low has raised concerns over the lack of games that the defender has played.

"Without match practice, it will become enormously difficult for him," he added.