The PDC have confirmed how they will address James Wade’s absence from the Premier League darts in Sheffield tonight.

Wade was rushed to hospital after being taken ill at a tournament in Germany over the weekend. A statement released on his behalf said: “Following his admission to hospital, Wade underwent a series of tests to establish the cause of serious symptoms including a racing heart, high blood pressure, nausea and dizziness.”

He was initially detained in hospital before eventually being allowed to return home to be with his pregnant wife, Samantha, and young son. Understandably, he will not be in action in Sheffield, where he was due to take on Joe Cullen in the quarter-finals.

Wade’s absence means Cullen will receive a bye into the semi-finals, where he will face either Gary Anderson or Gerwyn Price. A PDC statement said: “Under Premier League tournament rules, Wade's intended quarter-final opponent in Sheffield on Thursday, Joe Cullen, is awarded a 6-0 win and progresses into the semi-finals, where he will play Gary Anderson or Gerwyn Price.”

A good night for Cullen, who is five points behind Peter Wright in the crucial fourth spot, could see him move back into play-off contention. Jonny Clayton is already guaranteed a play-off spot while Michael van Gerwen and Wade are almost assured of top-four finishes.

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However, Wade has said he will only return to action “when the time is right” as he paid tribute to the medical staff who cared for him in Germany.

"I'd like to thank all the medical staff for their care over the past few days and also to all the fans around the world who have sent messages of support," said Wade. "Now that I'm home, I'll be taking time to recover fully before returning to playing when the time is right."

After tonight, there are just two weeks of the regular season remaining before the play-offs in Berlin next month.

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