Michael Smith, the reigning 2023 PDC World Champion, is a glaring omission from this week’s action in Germany, where a double-header of Players Championship events and a pair of European Tour qualifiers are taking place.
Plenty of top-tier names have given the trip a swerve following the slog of the World Matchplay – possibly less out of fatigue, and more out of concern for which country their suitcase might land once it leaves UK soil. But in Smith’s case, it’s not about luggage roulette – it’s a medical matter.
The St Helens star is currently grappling with a trio of physical setbacks: arthritis in his throwing hand, persistent issues with his left foot and ankle, and a long-running shoulder problem that’s refused to budge since the festive season.
Now aged 34, the St Helens thrower is also in danger of missing the World Grand Prix and the European Championship. With fitness proving elusive, Smith’s ranking has slipped sharply, falling to 21st in the world – a reflection of a season marred by setbacks.
Smith’s management, Darting Promotions, released a formal statement on Monday to clarify the situation and address recent speculation:
“We have become aware over the last few days of reports/comments on social media regarding Michael and his participation in events in the near future. Ourselves and Michael would like to provide a short update on the injuries which have been affecting him in recent months and assure fans that he will be back fully fit very soon.
“As you are all aware Michael has been suffering with arthritis in his right hand for a while and has recently developed a problem with his left foot/ankle. After recent blood tests this has revealed certain answers and we are now hopeful that with a course of medication these problems can be controlled in the future.
“As you will have seen Michael has withdrawn from this week’s events in Germany, this is due to him requiring a scan on his shoulder which was damaged at Christmas time. This has been arranged for this week which unfortunately means he is unable to take part in the upcoming Pro Tours and European Tour qualifiers.
“We feel this is now the right time to hopefully resolve the above issues and allow Michael to get back to his best and be back playing the way we all know he can.”
In a candid post shared with fans, Smith opened up about his current condition and future intentions:
“And get my eyes lasered in there also. I hope you will all understand. But I promise I’ll be back and firing again… few hiccups won’t ruin me. I’ve proved that time and time again.”
Smith has previously disclosed that the arthritis stems from past wrist injuries, notably fractures sustained as a teenager. Back in January, he gave a rare insight into the extent of his physical battles:
“Feel like this is needed to be said as I’m annoyed seeing I’m finished or what’s happening it’s this or that. The last 6 weeks I’ve had a grade 2 AC shoulder injury and seeking physio every 2/3 days to help that but for 3/4 years I’ve been fighting something else. I broke both my wrists when I was 19 and now it’s catching up with me and now suffering with arthritis to my right hand.
“This isn’t sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all in to it. I’ve never give up or stopped from any pain. I played a world final with a broken hand. I made a UK Open final with a hole in my groin. I’ve won Pro Tours and Euros with problems with my ankle.
“What this statement means is this is me opening up and letting you all know. I didn’t say earlier as I was scared of losing the Premier League or losing World Series but I wasn’t picked anyway, so why not now? I see the specialist on Monday and when I know you will know what will happen over the next month or so. I’ll never let anything beat me and I promise I’ll be back very VERY quickly.”
Despite those issues, there’s no denying Michael Smith’s raw, instinctive brilliance. At his best, he makes the treble 20 tremble – a player whose natural flair has lit up stages for years. The sport is richer, more thrilling, and undeniably more complete when Bullyboy is firing on all cylinders.
Everyone at Darts World wishes Michael a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing him back on the oche, doing what he does best.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
