Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen is a late withdrawal from this afternoon’s fifth Players Championship event of the season in Leicester.
The multiple PDC major winner had initially been listed in the field at the Mattioli Arena, but will now sit out as he continues his recovery from illness.
Van Gerwen’s absence extends what has become an increasingly stop start beginning to the year. The Dutchman opened his campaign in emphatic fashion by lifting the Bahrain Darts Masters title, a statement victory that suggested another dominant season could be on the horizon. Since then, however, momentum has stalled.
Last week he pulled out of the Premier League night in Glasgow, before also relinquishing his place at the opening Euro Tour event of 2026, the Poland Darts Open in Krakow.
Supporters of the Green Machine will hope the latest decision is purely precautionary, allowing him the necessary time to return to full fitness ahead of Thursday’s Premier League visit to Belfast. A potential clash there with Gerwyn Price would represent a high-profile return to action, with both players having endured spells on the sidelines in recent times.
For now, though, there will be no van Gerwen on show in Leicester, as one of the sport’s most decorated figures continues his road back to full health.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
