Van Veen 'planning on playing' in Berlin despite kidney stones surgery

Gian van Veen is "planning on playing" in Night Eight of the Premier League Darts in Berlin on Thursday despite still recovering from surgery to remove kidney stones.

The Dutchman was forced to withdraw from last week's event in Dublin, where he had been due to face Michael van Gerwen in his quarter-final matchup.

Speaking on social media, Van Veen announced that he has arrived in Germany ahead of his clash with Welshman Gerwyn Price.

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"It feels good to say that I am in Berlin and I am planning to play tomorrow night," he wrote on X. "Missing last week has left its mark on the standings. Currently sitting in sixth place. The road back is ongoing and I'm excited to be here again. Time to get back to work."

Van Veen currently sits sixth in the table without a nightly win to his name and two points off the Play-Off spots. He is scheduled to take on Price in the fourth quarter-final of the night, before which he will not be made available for media.

"As Gian continues his recovery following treatment for kidney stones, the PDC, Gian and his management have agreed for him not to be available for any pre-event media ahead of BetMGM Premier League Night Eight in Berlin on Thursday," the PDC said.

Van Veen explained on Wednesday that his energy levels remain low post-surgery, but that he was hopeful of being fit to feature in Berlin.

"Following the surgery to remove my kidney stones, recovery has been a process that requires patience," he said on X. "Unfortunately, that is something that does not come easy when all you want to do is compete in this packed schedule.

"However, the fatigue is real. My energy levels are still lower than I hoped and every day I have to be smart about how I use it. But where my body allows it, I am on the board. Practising, working and rebuilding on getting back to where I want to be."

The statement was accompanied by clips of Van Veen practising his throw, the 23-year-old admitting it was "not where I want to be yet" as he continues his recovery.

"Berlin is the goal," he continued. "Walking out onto that Premier League stage and making my comeback at the oche is what is driving me through every session, every day.

"I am doing everything to be there this Thursday. However, I need to listen to my body and not rush into any decisions. As important as the Premier League is, my health is more important.

"The will is there. The motivation has definitely never left. Now it is about making sure everything aligns in time. Berlin, I hope to see you on Thursday."

Jonny Clayton sits at the top of the table on 19 points with two nightly wins, followed by back-to-back world champion Luke Littler on 16 points following last week's stunning comeback victory over Price.

What's happening on Premier League Night Eight in Berlin?

Night Eight of the BetMGM Premier League will take place in Berlin on Thursday March 26, as Luke Littler begins his bid for a third nightly victory of 2026 against Stephen Bunting at the Uber Arena.

League leader Clayton will take on Josh Rock in the evening's opener, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen also go head-to-head, while Price takes on Van Veen for a place in the semi-finals.

Quarter-Final fixtures for 14 of the 16 league nights are in draw bracket order, with fixtures for Night Eight and Night 16 determined by league standings heading into each night.

Who will win this year's Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will be defending his title and you can watch the action every single Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.