Out-foxing defences is one of the key attributes of Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze's play. But if his latest Instagram post is any indication, the returning Bayern Munich star's next victim could be superhero Batman. 

Gotze posted a photo of himself clad in the sinister makeup of Batman's arch nemesis - the Joker - and the authentic replication of the fabled villain portrayed by the late Heath Ledger has already chalked up 113,000 likes.

The 23 year-old has not played since Germany's 1-0 loss away to Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying on 8 October. 

His previous Bayern outing came four days prior to that, starting and scoring in a 5-1 home win over former club Borussia Dortmund.

Gotze, who netted the extra-time winner for Germany in its World Cup final triumph over Argentina in 2014, has struggled for form and fitness since moving to Allianz Arena from Dortmund in 2013.

The tactics and team selections of Pep Guardiola have not always appeared to suit the attacking midfielder.

But with the manager set to leave for Manchester City at the end of the season, Gotze – provided he returns to full fitness – could find himself back in favor under Carlo Ancelotti in 2016-2017.

"Obviously I still need to be patient for little while longer," Gotze said. "I'll try and complete all the sessions this and next week and then we'll see where I stand.

"If you've been out for a while, your instinct is to do as much as possible – but you have to be clever about it."

If Gotze struggles to overcome his latest injury setback, perhaps a Hollywood career beckons.