MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has revealed that he expects to return to the Betway Premier League in Glasgow on Thursday.
The World Champion and world number one missed last week's Premier League night in Exter and the weekend's Coral UK Open due to a back injury.
However, after receiving intensive treatment over the past week, the Dutch star says that he is aiming to return and continue his Premier League title defence against Kim Huybrechts at The SSE Hydro.
"I was gutted to miss out on both the Premier League night and the UK Open, but it is just one of those things," said Van Gerwen, on his official website.
"It's just a minor back injury. The kind of thing that can happen to anyone but something you have to be careful with.
"My heart said to go and play because I love playing and winning, but my head listened to the advice from medical experts, who said it would be better not to travel.
"It's feeling better each day and right now the plan is to play on Thursday in the Premier League, and I'm really looking forward to it."
Van Gerwen had won the UK Open title for the past two years by defeating Peter Wright in both finals, with the world number three this time capitalising on his rival's absence to claim the trophy.
"I also want to say congratulations to Peter Wright on winning his first big TV title," added Van Gerwen. "I think he deserved one but I told him not to get used to it."
Van Gerwen is unbeaten following his first four Premier League games of the season, and will play his rescheduled match against James Wade, which would have taken place in Exeter, when the event visits Manchester on March 23.
Betway Premier League
Night Six - Thursday March 9
The SSE Hydro, Glasgow
Adrian Lewis v Phil Taylor
James Wade v Peter Wright
Kim Huybrechts v Michael van Gerwen
Jelle Klaasen v Raymond van Barneveld
Dave Chisnall v Gary Anderson
Tickets: 0844 395 4000 or via www.thessehydro.com