MICHAEL VAN GERWEN will go into his rematch with Luke Littler at the Dutch Open sporting a broken toe.
The three-time world champion suffered a freak injury while on holiday with his family in Thailand.
Van Gerwen was beaten by The Nuke on January 3 in the PDC World Championship final at Alexandra Palace.
The 35-year-old jetted off for a luxury break with his wife Daphne and two children Zoe and Mike after the loss.
After battling several health issues over the past few years, MVG now has a temporary ailment to add to the list.
Van Gerwen romped to a 6-1 triumph over Dirk van Duijvenbode on Friday night to set up a reunion with Littler.
After the matchup, he revealed he is currently nursing a broken toe.
Asked if the injury would hamper him in the tournament, he replied: “[It’s] annoying, but you can’t do anything about it.
“It happened last week on holiday. Accidents can happen. I enjoyed my holiday. I definitely had a nice rest.”
MVG is keen to banish the memory of his 7-4 Ally Pally loss to teenage sensation Littler.
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He continued: “It’s really bitter, but it wouldn’t be fair to myself if I didn’t look at it positively.
“I put together a really great tournament and played fantastically.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Ronnie O’Sullivan digs out Michael van Gerwen on live TV for way darts star acted in Luke Littler match ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367171079112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“I’m sour that I didn’t reward myself, but I can take a lot of satisfaction from it now.”
Littler booked his showdown with MVG by beating Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-4 in front of a partisan crowd at the Maaspoort.
The Nuke turned 18 last week and since opened up about his fame following a remarkable 2024.
Discussing his love life away from the oche, Littler told the Mail: “Extra attention comes with me winning the world title and certain reporting restrictions are lifted at the age of 18 so that will have an impact.
“And if I keep winning, I’m not making it easier for myself, am I?’
“I have had a few requests from girls to meet up, but I generally don’t reply.
“It’s just people looking at me and the money I am making, and they want part of that.”