NATHAN ASPINALL “won’t risk further damage” to his arm and has withdrawn from the World Series Finals.
The World No.5 has not competed since July, having subsequently begun a course of treatment for a tendon injury in his throwing arm.
He has been undergoing shockwave therapy treatment throughout the summer and had hoped to be able to make his comeback in the World Series in Amsterdam this weekend.
However, following further scans, the Stockport ace has been referred for additional treatment which will prevent his return at the event where he was runner-up 12 months ago.
He said: “I’ve said all along that I only want to return to playing once my arm has recovered sufficiently.
“I’ve been making good progress with my treatment but my latest scans have come back and I need more treatment this week, and reluctantly I will have to miss the World Series of Darts Finals.
“I’m getting closer to being able to play again and I hope I can get back to action soon.
“But only when I’m confident that I’ve recovered and won’t be risking further damage.”
Under PDC Rules, Aspinall is replaced by the highest-ranked player who lost in the final round of the Tour Card Holder Qualifier.
This means Andrew Gilding now takes on Wessel Nijman in the first round on Saturday afternoon.
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Returning to the tournament in the Netherlands is reigning champion Michael van Gerwen who will be in action in his native country after he beat Aspinall 11-4 to claim last year’s £70,000 jackpot.
This year £80,000 is up for grabs and teenage sensation Luke Littler and World No1 Luke Humphries are also amongst the star-studded 32-player field.
Littler will be hoping to redeem himself after his crushing third-round defeat at the Flanders Darts Trophy by Dirk Van Duijvenbode, who KO’d him 6-2 in Antwerp on Sunday.
