Scotland’s Gary Anderson has withdrawn from the 2019 Premier League darts due to his back injury.
Former Premier League champion Anderson has been undergoing treatment on his back since exiting the world championship in December and after missing the Masters at the weekend Anderson has withdrawn from the Premier League following medical advice.
Following Anderson’s withdrawal the PDC has announced nine players will take Anderson’s place at the respective local event meaning Huntly’s John Henderson will replace Anderson for the Aberdeen event on March 7.
Henderson, who plays for the Masada Bar in Aberdeen, will face world champion Michael van Gerwen at the AECC.
The 48 year-old said: “I’m sorry to the fans that I won’t be there this year, I’m as gutted as anybody to have to miss out.
“I’ve really tried to get myself right for the Premier League but it just hasn’t been physically possible because I’m in such pain when I even try and have a little practice and it would risk long term damage if I was to do anything other than rest and undergo treatment at the moment.
“This isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly but I don’t want to let the fans and myself down by putting in performances well below what is expected of me due to my injury.
“My physio has advised me to rest for a few weeks to increase my chances of coming back stronger for the rest of the year and reduce the likelihood of me suffering repeated problems.”