"Going to get himself into a good space": Experts ponder when Michael van Gerwen will return after split news

Michael van Gerwen has said that he will withdraw from future tournaments after his recent split news from long time wife, Daphne. But when will he return? A slot in the calendar seems likely according to Abigail Davies and Matthew Edgar.

Van Gerwen seemed off as he limped out of the Premier League but it all became clear when MVG released a statement after withdrawing from the Dutch Darts Championship.

Not one to miss his home event, there had to be a real reason and it was confirmed that he had split from his wife who he also shares two kids with. He is still entered into the European Darts Open this weekend in Leverkusen.

But in reality, he is unlikely to play given he confirmed as such in his statement.

"Who would've thought we'd reach finals night and Michael van Gerwen I know he didn't qualify but he didn't win a night. I think you mentioned it how much of an impact this has all had on him and I think the problem does stem deeper for Michael van Gerwen," said Abigail Davies on the Love the Darts POdcast.

"It is only he who will know how long this has had a bearing on what's been going on but certainly last Thursday night, it was so surreal and strange to see him have so many counting errors. It was kind of like separation from the game."

But Matthew Edgar added that he sees the World Matchplay as likely. He won't play in the World Cup of Darts for instance and only really World Series and ProTours await before then. So he can take the time off and he wouldn't be shocked to see him back at his best.

"It's not just the recent times, this would've been bubbling for a while. Something like what he's going through doesn't just spring out of nowhere. It would've been coming for a period of time. We've seen the developments in his throw, things that he has said he can't change and has got worse since he's had that wrist surgery," said Edgar.

"There's lots of things going on and it's probably quite hard for him to attach himself to what he needs to do. I can vouch for this, when your home life is not right you're not comfortable being away. You just want to be at home and get things sorted. He's probably in a great place to have a little time off."

"There's not too much in regards to the calendar, a couple of ProTours. We've seen him turn up and withdraw after one day. The argument is do you even go and do the one day."

"He's requested privacy which suggests he's going to do that. He's going to get himself into a good space. I think he will be back firing for the World Matchplay."