Premier League darts: Gary Anderson forced to retire from 2019 competition with back injury

The Flying Scotsman won the Premier League series in 2011 and 2015

Gary Anderson has been receiving treatment on a back injury over the last month (Getty Images)

An injury has ruled two-time Premier League champion Gary Anderson to withdraw from this year’s competition.

Anderson has been receiving treatment on a back injury since losing to Michael van Gerwen in the World Championship semi-final in December.

Following medical advice, Anderson has been forced to pull out of the Premier League two days before his scheduled first match against Austria’s Mensur Suljovic on the tournament’s opening night in Newcastle.

He told the Professional Darts Corporation's official website: "I'm sorry to the fans that I won't be there this year, I'm as gutted as anybody to have to miss out."

"I've really tried to get myself right for the Premier League but it just hasn't been physically possible because I'm in such pain when I even try and have a little practice and it would risk long-term damage if I was to do anything other than rest and undergo treatment at the moment,” he added.

"This isn't a decision I've taken lightly but I don't want to let the fans and myself down by putting in performances well below what is expected of me due to my injury.

"My physio has advised me to rest for a few weeks to increase my chances of coming back stronger for the rest of the year and reduce the likelihood of me suffering repeated problems."

Anderson will be replaced by nine comtenders made up of future and local players making their Premier League debut.

The Flying Scotsman won the Premier League series in 2011 and 2015 (PA)

Chris Dobey, Glen Durrant, Steve Lennon, Luke Humphries, John Henderson, Nathan Aspinall, Max Hopp, Dimitri Van Den Bergh and Jeffrey De Zwaan will each take part in one evening during the opening nine nights.

Points won by the contenders will not count in the table, but their opponent will retain any points won in these matches.

Anderson was second favourite to win the competition and the most likely contender to challenge for Michael van Gerwen's crown.

PDC chairman Barry Hearn wished Anderson a speedy recovery and said the nine contenders have a great opportunity to produce some shock results against the best darts players in the world.

"First of all everyone at the PDC would like to wish Gary Anderson a speedy recovery back to full fitness as soon as possible,” said Hearn.

"Gary's withdrawal has opened up an incredibly exciting opportunity for the nine contenders to go out and show what they've got on some of the biggest stages in world darts.

"The young players who impressed at Alexandra Palace have already shown they can cut it in darts' biggest ever tournament, while rising stars Max Hopp and Dimitri Van Den Bergh have been shining lights in the growth of the sport in recent years.

"The local favourites have earned their chance to entertain the crowds and TV viewers, with every one of them will bringing something different to the Premier League party in 2019, and I'm sure they'll cause a few shocks along the way."