Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price are the most notable absentees.
Michael van Gerwen has joined Gerwyn Price and several other big names in withdrawing from this week’s Players Championship triple header in Wigan. Mighty Mike has been struggling with illness as of late and did not feature at the Swiss Darts Trophy last weekend.
That came just days after he pulled out of two Players Championship events in Leicester in order to prioritise his health. It seems Van Gerwen is still not ready to return, with the 35-year-old not playing in the Wigan triple header this week.
He is far from the only household name missing from the tournaments, with Price not involved either. The likes of Peter Wright, James Wade and Chris Dobey will also not be playing in any of the three events ahead of the upcoming World Grand Prix
Van Gerwen has been forced to deal with his fair share of fitness problems over the last few months. Before his illness, he underwent a dental procedure which left him feeling sore during his recent World Series victory over Jonny Clayton.
He has gone under the knife on several occasions, with the procedures causing him no shortage of discomfort. Opening up on his dental struggles, he revealed that he is not allowing himself to eat steaks or baguettes due to the risks involved.
“Anything that doesn’t help you on the way up becomes a minor irritation,” Van Gerwen told De Telegraaf last month. “Anyone who’s ever had root canal treatment and knows what that feels like, I can tell t
“That really didn’t feel good, but it has to be to keep it together. My lower jaw is searching and wants to go back to its old position. I had a severe underbite. A steak or a tough baguette, that’s still a no go.”
Van Gerwen will undergo another operation when he goes on holiday next year to fix a problem with his foot which causes him pain while wearing shoes.
“The cartilage is going to expand, so I have a bump that doesn’t feel quite right in my shoe,” he explained. “Whenever I feel like it, I’m going to use that surgery. This is the best time then, nice on a boat or by the pool.
“I really enjoyed the weeks off. Next year, after the Matchplay, I might have to go to Australia and New Zealand as well, when I’m invited for that. Then I will be away for the whole children’s vacation.
“I have found now that it is very important and very nice for me to enjoy it with my wife and children. It really has been a crazy time, finally.”his is a little boy compared to what I went through.
