Wednesday 27 February 2019 10:46, UK
Michael Smith will compete in Thursday's Premier League at Westpoint Arena in Exeter despite needing emergency surgery on an abscess on Monday.
The Premier League and World Championship finalist went under the knife on Monday after the abscess worsened during last weekend.
Smith, who is now recovering from the infection, is set to line up against Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld before competing in the UK Open this weekend.
"I'm not sure how I will be," Smith told Live Darts. "I'm on painkillers and antibiotics.
"I've got strapping round my leg and groin which has to be changed every day to protect it from further infection."
Smith has picked up just one point from his opening three Premier League games, but is targeting a first victory of the season against the five-time world champion.
"It's been a tough start to the Premier League," he added. "My leg hasn't really helped to be honest.
"It's been there for six weeks and bugging me a bit and stressing me out. I should have just got it checked earlier. I was just being a bloke and not getting it checked, thinking it will heal itself."
The Premier League heads to the Westpoint Arena, Exeter on Thursday, February 28. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsDarts and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/darts
