Gerwyn Price has withdrawn from night 14 in the Premier League due to a back injury which has recently hampered the darts star.
Tournament rules mean that the Welshman has been punished by receiving a -6 leg difference to all but end his chances of qualifying for the play-offs.
Price pulled out of the Austrian Darts Open last weekend due to a trapped nerve and has been unable to recover in time for Thursday's action in Aberdeen.
He currently sits seventh in the table with just two more nights remaining before the roadshow concludes at London's O2 Arena.
Gerwyn Price has pulled out of the Premier League darts in Aberdeen due to injury
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Price's quarter-final opponent Luke Humphries has been granted a bye through to the semi-final.
The world No 1 will also receive two points as well as +1 on leg difference to close the gap on leader Luke Littler.
Humphries will now face either Michael van Gerwen or Rob Cross in the semi-final.
A statement from the PDC read: "Gerwyn Price has withdrawn from Thursday's BetMGM Premier League night in Aberdeen as he continues to struggle with a back problem.
"2021 World Champion Price was unable to compete in last weekend's Austrian Darts Open after suffering a trapped nerve in his back.
"The Welshman has undergone treatment since last Friday but has not recovered sufficiently to travel to Scotland to take part in Night 14 at P&J Live.
"Under tournament rules, Price's planned quarter-final opponent in Aberdeen, Luke Humphries, now receives a Bye into the semi-finals on Thursday, as well as gaining two league points and +1 leg difference.
"Price, meanwhile, receives -6 leg difference on the league table." Price is yet to comment on his withdrawal.
Teenage sensation Littler will be aiming to confirm his qualification for the play-offs.
The 17-year-old has won three of the last five nights and picked up his second European Tour title at the weekend.
Ahead of his clash with Nathan Aspinall, Littler said: "Top spot is my target now.
"It would mean everything to finish top [of the table], but I’m just really happy to be where I am now, five points clear.
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Gerwyn Price has been punished -6 on leg difference in the Premier League
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"I was playing with complete freedom in Liverpool, especially in the semi-finals against Nathan, and I managed to get over the line which has given me so much confidence.
"I am taking everything in my stride. I’ve gained so much experience in this year’s Premier League, and it’s definitely helped me as a player."
Meanwhile, 2018 world champion Rob Cross is hoping to pick up a first nightly win and push his case for a play-off place.
He said: "The Premier League is a tough school, but I have loved being here.
Gerwyn Price's withdrawal means Luke Humphries gets a bye in the Premier League
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"The last six weeks were disappointing results-wise, but I cannot grumble. I have really enjoyed being back in the mix.
"I had a three-week spell where I was a little bit off, and it cost me. It’s not quite worked out, but I’m not here to make excuses.
"There’s still plenty to play for over the next three weeks, and I think my game is in a good place, so I believe I can be a bit of a spoiler now."
