Michael van Gerwen could be a surprise omission from Thursday’s BetMGM Premier League showpiece in Glasgow. The Dutch star currently leads the table and is scheduled to meet Luke Littler in a blockbuster quarter-final at the OVO Hydro. However, van Gerwen’s appearance on night three has been thrown into doubt due to a health issue which may stop him competing in the event.

A statement from the PDC confirmed: “Michael has a medical issue and is awaiting results of tests which will determine whether he can travel to Glasgow.” Initial news of the situation emerged from van Gerwen’s friend Vincent van der Voort as, speaking on the Darts Draait Door podcast ahead of the Hydro, he revealed: “Unfortunately, we still don’t know for sure if Michael will play. He’s picked something up and is on antibiotics. 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.”

Van Gerwen has made a superb start to the campaign with triumph at the Bahrain Masters followed by victory on the opening Premier League night in Newcastle.

The World No. 4 suffered defeat in the Final in Antwerp eight days ago to Gerwyn Price, but sits at the summit of the standings following his impressive start.

Van Gerwen, a seven-time Premier League champion, is set to be the star attraction in the opening matches in Glasgow, with his showdown against Littler.

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However, it remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will be able to participate at the Hydro.

The potential absence of fan favourite van Gerwen would undoubtedly disappoint the Scottish fans, but even if the Green Machine can’t fulfil his engagement with the World Champion, there are still top-tier matches on the cards.

Luke Humphries, the World No. 2 and victor of Tuesday’s Pro Tour event in Wigan, is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Phil Taylor and van Gerwen by securing a second consecutive win. He faces newcomer Josh Rock, who has yet to secure a victory in the competition.

Price, currently sitting second in the table after clinching the night in Belgium last week, squares off against compatriot Jonny Clayton, a former Premier League winner, in a rematch of the semi-final encounter in the AFAS Dome.

Gian van Veen, the young Dutch player who reached the final on the first night in Newcastle and also the World Championship Final against Littler, kicks off the Glasgow show against Stephen Bunting.