‘Accidents can happen’ – Michael van Gerwen forced to face Luke Littler with broken toe after freak injury on holiday
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.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
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.
“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.
Luke Littler prize money breakdown
Here is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:
World Championship 2025 – £500,000
World Championship 2024 – £200,000
Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000
European Tour – £91,000
Player Championships events – £71,500
Players Championship final runner-up – £60,000
UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500
World Matchplay – £10,000
World Grand Prix – £7,500
European Championship – £7,500
(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000
TOTAL: £1.43 million
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.”