Michael van Gerwen has revealed it was a freak injury to his neck and back which forced him out of action.
The three-time world champion withdrew from night nine of the Premier League on April 3 just minutes before the action was due to start.
Van Gerwen had been scheduled to face Gerwyn Price at the Uber Arena in Berlin.
However, the Welshman was handed a walkover after ‘Mighty Mike’ pulled out with a neck injury suffered whilst putting on a shirt.
He also withdrew from the International Darts Open before returning to the oche the following week.
Van Gerwen has now reflected on the incident during an appearance on Hawksbee and Jacobs on Wednesday.
Asked about the recent injury, he explained: “My neck and my back. I pulled a muscle properly. It was really, really stupid to be fair.
“If I tell the story to anyone, they don’t believe me. You know what I mean? It’s fact. I’m never lying. It is what it is. What can you do?”
The Dutch darts star believes it is still a good sign that fans are talking about his freak absence.
Van Gerwen added: “As long as they keep talking about me, it’s a good sign. I mean, the day I don’t get invited for chats like this, then it’s the day I’m going to wear it myself. Absolutely.”
His close friend, Vincent van der Voort, recently provided more details of the bizarre accident.
He explained that Van Gerwen had been trying on shirts for a sponsor ahead of his clash with Price.
Speaking on Dutch podcast Darts Draait Door, Van der Voort revealed: “Michael hurt himself in the afternoon — it was really unfortunate.
“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.”
The Dutch Destroyer added that Van Gerwen had seen a physio in a bid to be able to compete in the German capital.
However, he was ultimately unable to take to the stage against Price.
Van Gerwen made his Premier League return in Manchester last week, losing in the semi-finals to night winner Nathan Aspinall.
The seven-time Premier League champion has yet to secure a nightly win during this year’s event.
He was beaten in his only final appearance, which leaves him fifth in the standings with six nights remaining.
Van Gerwen faces Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals at his home night in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, this Thursday.
