Michael van Gerwen will make his Premier League Darts return in Manchester tonight after missing last week's event in Berlin due to a bizarre neck injury.
The three-time world champion was forced to withdraw from Night Nine in the German capital just minutes before his quarter-final against Gerwyn Price.
Van Gerwen now faces Chris Dobey in tonight's opening match at the AO Arena as he looks to get his Premier League campaign back on track.
The Dutchman's play-off hopes took a hit with his unexpected absence in Berlin.
Michael van Gerwen will return to action on Thursday night
PA
The bizarre nature of the injury has now been revealed by Van Gerwen's friend, Vincent van der Voort.
"Michael hurt himself in the afternoon, it was really unfortunate," Van der Voort told the Darts Draait Door podcast.
"He was trying on some shirts for his sponsor, and as soon as he put one on, he said something didn't feel right. He could barely move his neck."
Van der Voort explained that despite seeking treatment from a physiotherapist and taking muscle relaxants, Van Gerwen was unable to compete.
The injury has significantly impacted Van Gerwen's Premier League campaign at a crucial stage of the season.
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He currently sits fourth in the table with just a one-point cushion between him and Rob Cross in the race for a top-four finish.
Tonight's match against Dobey takes on added importance as Van Gerwen aims to protect his play-off position.
Qualification for the play-offs at London's O2 Arena on May 29 is now under threat following his missed night in Berlin.
The Dutchman cannot afford another setback with the competition intensifying.
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Michael van Gerwen has to make up lost ground after pulling out of the Premier League last week
GETTYVan Gerwen's match against Dobey opens the Night 10 action in Manchester, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm.
The evening will also feature a highly anticipated clash between home favourite Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price.
Littler currently leads the Premier League table and will be seeking his fifth nightly win of the campaign.
Van Gerwen returned to competitive action earlier this week at the Players Championship tournaments in Leicester following his recovery from the neck injury.
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ReutersHowever, Van Gerwen's return to the oche has not been smooth, with the world number three suffering successive first-round exits at the Players Championship 11 and 12 tournaments in Leicester.
The injury also forced him to withdraw from the International Darts Open in Riesa.
Tonight's Premier League match represents an opportunity for Van Gerwen to regain momentum after these setbacks.
With the play-offs approaching, the Dutchman will be eager to secure vital points in Manchester to strengthen his position.
