Nathan Aspinall misses European Darts Open due to arm injury: ''Fingers crossed it's nothing serious''

Nathan Aspinall was among five players who pulled out just before the draw of the European Darts Open in Leverkusen. The PDC gave no reason for the withdrawals, but 'The Asp' himself came out with a statement.

Aspinall recently told the Nordic Darts Masters that his arm is bothering him again. Two and a half years ago, it almost meant the end of the Englishman's career. ''My arms f***ed, I'm in a bad place. But I'm trying my best and trying to keep going for my fans and I'm in a bad way. It's worse (than the previous injury), I just remember why I'm doing it. Try and put a smile on my face, I'm in a lot of pain, I've got a lot of issues at the moment but I keep fighting. I've got the right people around me, the right family around me'', Aspinall stated.

That same injury forced Aspinall to drop out of the European Tour tournament in Leverkusen. ''Had to pull out yet again this weekend with ongoing issues with my arm,'' the reigning World Matchplay champion wrote on Instagram.

''MRI scan on the elbow today. Let's see what the problem is. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious and a few weeks rest will be enough.''

Should Aspinall take a few weeks of rest, he is also likely to miss the Players Championship tournament in Milton Keynes on July 2 and 3. On July 13, the World Matchplay begins. Aspinall is the defending champion at that tournament, after beating Jonny Clayton 18-6 in the final last year.