Michael van Gerwen could be forced to miss Premier League in Glasgow as statement released

The third night of this year’s Premier League Darts could have a Michael van Gerwen-sized absence.

Van Gerwen is at risk of missing Thursday’s action in Glasgow due to illness.

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Why Van Gerwen could miss Night 3

In a statement provided to talkSPORT.com, a PDC spokesperson said: “Michael has a medical issue and is awaiting results of tests which will determine whether he can travel to Glasgow.”

Former pro Vincent van der Voort also addressed Van Gerwen’s health issues on the Darts Draait Door podcast, stating ‘everything is uncertain’.

“Unfortunately, we still don’t know for sure if Michael will play,” Van der Voort said.

“He’s picked up something and is on antibiotics. I can’t say yet that he’ll be there. We’ll have to wait and see over the coming days.

“Tests are being done, and I hope they find it quickly so it can be resolved. There’s a chance he won’t be there.

“Everything is uncertain for now. Every time you think it’s turning the right way, something happens again.”

What happens if Van Gerwen withdraws?

The three-time world champion is due to face Luke Littler in the quarter-finals on Thursday evening.

However, tournament rules stipulate that if any player is forced to withdraw from a Premier League night, their quarter-final opponent would instantly receive a bye into the semi-finals.

In the instance of Thursday, Littler would go into the next round without needing to throw a single dart.

He will face either Jonny Clayton or Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals.

How has Van Gerwen performed in the Premier League this year?

Van Gerwen has been in fine form during this year’s Premier League having won the first night in Newcastle on February 5.

It was the Dutchman’s first Premier League win in 665 days, with the last victory coming on April 11 in 2024.

Van Gerwen backed it up with a run to the final on night two, where he was beaten 6-3 by Price.

As for Littler, he was beaten in the quarter-finals on night one by Gian van Veen.

‘The Nuke’ reached the semi-finals on night two but lost 6-4 to Van Gerwen.

Should Van Gerwen be forced to pull out, it would not be the first time he has withdrawn from a Premier League night on short notice.

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‘Mighty Mike’ could not compete in Berlin during last year’s tournament after he sustained a shoulder injury.

Van Gerwen was due to face Price that night, but the Welsh ace received a bye to the semi-finals.

Price would win his semi-final against Chris Dobey but fell short in the final to Stephen Bunting via a 6-5 defeat.