"After intentionally waiting for a few days after the operation to decide on his inclusion for Euro 2008, in consultation with the doctors, we have got to accept that his recovery programme cannot be speeded up to return to training soon.

"The most important thing right now is that Bernd is fit again for next season and can continue his career."

Schneider, capped 81 times for his country, requires around two months to fully recover from the operation, according to the doctors who treated him.

This means he will only be able to recommence training at the end of June.

Schneider had hoped to earn a call-up anyway with the chance of returning for the latter stages of the tournament, but that would have been too big a risk for Low, who will name his 23-man squad at the end of May.

"We are now clear with the new situation so we can consider it in our plans for Euro 2008," added Low.

Schneider remains hopeful he will still represent Germany on the world stage again.

"It is annoying," he added. "But my health is more important and is the priority.

"But in two years there is the World Cup and perhaps I can still take part in that."