Michael van Gerwen out of Premier League clash with James Wade in Exeter

Michael van Gerwen will miss Thursday night's Premier League fixture in Exeter

Michael van Gerwen will miss Night Five of the Premier League in Exeter after suffering a back injury, meaning Dave Chisnall will play twice.

The current world champion and defending Premier League champion has been forced to withdraw to focus on the UK Open in Minehead, where he is also the defending champion.

Van Gerwen has opted for rest in the build-up to this weekend's major with the hope he will be fit for the three-day extravaganza and it means the two-time world champion will now play twice on Night Eight in Manchester.

Taking Van Gerwen's place at Exeter's Westpoint Arena will be Chizzy who will now face Wade as well as his scheduled match against Raymond van Barneveld.

World no 1 Van Gerwen would then compete twice in three weeks time, his rearranged clash with The Machine preceding his meeting with Barney.

Revised fixtures and order of play for the Betway Premier League nights in Exeter and Manchester are as follows:

Night Five - Thursday March 2

Westpoint Arena, Exeter

Dave Chisnall v Raymond van Barneveld

Jelle Klaasen v Kim Huybrechts

Gary Anderson v Phil Taylor

Adrian Lewis v Peter Wright

James Wade v Dave Chisnall

Night Eight - Thursday March 23

The Manchester Arena

Michael van Gerwen v James Wade

Kim Huybrechts v Gary Anderson

Peter Wright v Phil Taylor

Jelle Klaasen v Adrian Lewis

Raymond van Barneveld v Michael van Gerwen

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