MICHAEL SMITH has been forced to undergo blood tests and withdraw from tournaments amid ongoing health problems.
The former world champion is set to miss Players Championships 22 and 23 and European Tour 11 and 12.
Smith has already been ruled out of the World Matchplay
And it threatens to see him also miss the World Grand Prix and European Championship.
Smith has arthritis in his throwing hand, problems with his foot and ankle as well as an ongoing shoulder injury.
Darting Promotions said in a statement: “We have become aware over the last few days of reports/comments on social media regarding Michael and his participation in events in the near future.
“Ourselves and Michael would like to provide a short update on the injuries which have been affecting him in recent months and assure fans that he will be back fully fit very soon.
“As you are all aware Michael has been suffering with arthritis in his right hand for a while and has recently developed a problem with his left foot/ankle.
“After recent blood tests this has revealed certain answers and we are now hopeful that with a course of medication these problems can be controlled in the future.
“As you will have seen Michael has withdrawn from this week’s events in Germany, this is due to him requiring a scan on his shoulder which was damaged at Christmas time.
“This has been arranged for this week which unfortunately means he is unable to take part in the upcoming Pro Tours and European Tour qualifiers.
“We feel this is now the right time to hopefully resolve the above issues and allow Michael to get back to his best and be back playing the way we all know he can.”
Smith, 34, revealed in January that he has had arthritis issues since he was a teenager.
He said: “Feel like this is needed to be said as I’m annoyed seeing I’m finished or what’s happening it’s this or that.
“The last 6 weeks I’ve had a grade 2 AC shoulder injury and seeking physio every 2/3 days to help that but for 3/4 years I’ve been fighting something else.
“I broke both my wrists when I was 19 and now it’s catching up with me and now suffering with arthritis to my right hand.
“This isn’t sympathy or a cry for help. This is letting you all in to it. I’ve never give up or stopped from any pain.
“I played a world final with a broken hand. I made a UK Open final with a hole in my groin. I’ve won Pro Tours and Euros with problems with my ankle.
“What this statement means is this is me opening up and letting you all know.
“I didn’t say earlier as I was scared of losing the Premier League or losing World Series but I wasn’t picked anyway so why not now.
“I see the specialist Monday and when I know you will know what will happen over the next month or so.
“I’ll never let anything beat me and I promise I’ll be back very VERY quickly.”
