Gian van Veen confirms Premier League comeback after hospitalization: “The plan is for me to play tomorrow”

Gian van Veen expects to make his return to the Premier League Darts on Thursday evening in Berlin. The Dutchman had to withdraw last week due to kidney stones and spent a few days in hospital, but has now traveled to Germany with the intention of getting back on stage.

Van Veen confirms he is feeling better, although he is not fully recovered yet. “It’s a bit better. At least I’m in Berlin. The plan is for me to play tomorrow,” Van Veen told NU.nl.

The 23-year-old had to miss the previous night in Dublin after suddenly developing symptoms from kidney stones. A medical procedure was necessary, which meant he not only missed the Premier League, but also had to skip the Euro Tour event in Wieze.

Until earlier this week it was uncertain whether Van Veen would be fit in time for the night in the German capital. He ultimately decided to travel to Berlin, although he is choosing to keep his schedule as light as possible. To get enough rest, he has skipped the usual media duties.

Van Veen’s return comes at an important moment in the campaign. The Dutchman is fighting for a play-off spot in his debut season, with only the top four in the standings qualifying. His withdrawal last week saw him drop from the top four to sixth, meaning he needs to keep picking up points in the remaining nights.

A tough opponent awaits in Berlin. Van Veen faces Gerwyn Price in the quarterfinals, while Michael van Gerwen is also in action. The three-time world champion meets Luke Humphries, the current world number two, in one of the other quarterfinals of the night. Leader Luke Littler plays Stephen Bunting, while Jonny Clayton takes on bottom-placed Josh Rock.