Michael van Gerwen illness hands Luke Littler potential Premier League boost

Michael van Gerwen currently leads the Premier League darts table but his participation in Thursday’s Glasgow event has been thrown into doubt due to a medical issue

Michael van Gerwen faces a surprise absence from Thursday’s BetMGM Premier League spectacular in Glasgow. The Dutchman currently tops the standings and is due to face Luke Littler in a mouth-watering quarter-final at the OVO Hydro.

However, Van Gerwen’s participation on night three hangs in the balance following a health scare that could prevent him from taking part in the match.

The PDC issued a statement confirming: “Michael has a medical issue and is awaiting results of tests which will determine whether he can travel to Glasgow.”

Word of the concerns first surfaced through van Gerwen’s friend, Vincent van der Voort, who provided an update on the Darts Draait Door podcast before the Hydro event:

“Unfortunately, we still don’t know for sure if Michael will play. He’s picked something up and is on antibiotics,” Van der Voort said. “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.”

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Van Gerwen has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season with success at the Bahrain Masters before claiming victory on the Premier League’s opening night in Newcastle. The World No.4 endured disappointment in the Final in Antwerp eight days ago against Gerwyn Price, yet leads the table following his outstanding start.

Van Gerwen, who has won seven Premier League titles across his career, is expected to be the one of the main draws in Glasgow’s inaugural fixtures, with his clash against Littler.

Nevertheless, questions remain over whether Van Gerwen will be able to compete at the Hydro.

The possible withdrawal of crowd favourite Van Gerwen would certainly leave local supporters deflated, though even if the Green Machine cannot honour his commitment against the World Champion, quality encounters remain on offer.

Luke Humphries, the World No. 2 and champion of Tuesday’s Pro Tour event in Wigan, hopes to emulate Phil Taylor and Van Gerwen by claiming back-to-back triumphs.

Humphries takes on debutant Josh Rock, who is still chasing his maiden success in the tournament.

Price, who currently occupies second place after seizing victory in Belgium last week, meets Jonny Clayton, a previous Premier League champion, in a repeat of their semi-final battle at the AFAS Dome.

Gian van Veen, who made it to the final on the opening night in Newcastle and also faced Littler in the World Championship Final, will start the Glasgow event against Stephen Bunting.

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