Michael van Gerwen says he ‘might not look or sound the same for a little while’ after dental surgery, with braces still to be fitted and another operation to come.

MVG had the pre-planned surgery last month and returned to action at the weekend, losing 6-3 to his fellow Dutch icon Raymond van Barneveld at the Interwetten European Darts Matchplay.

The 34-year-old is not taking time off, but has made it clear that he is not at 100 per cent after the medical work and is still recovering as he prepares for upcoming events, with the Poland Masters and World Matchplay this month.

Van Gerwen posted on social media: ‘I just wanted to send an update to everyone following my recent dental surgery and my return to action Saturday. Firstly, I’d like to thank all my friends for their support in recent weeks, and also congratulate Raymond for his win over me in Trier his finishing was brilliant.

‘After winning the Premier League and US Darts Masters recently, I needed to have pre-planned dental and jaw surgery which meant that I missed the World Cup of Darts. With the schedule being so busy it is always hard to fit in anything like this, especially with an operation which involves a lot of recovery time.

‘In my case, I might not look or sound the same for a little while and I’ll soon have braces fitted as well as needing some further surgery in the future.

‘I don’t want this to affect my performances in the Poland Darts Masters and World Matchplay coming up and I’ll be trying my best to win both events, but at the moment I’m also still recovering and hope that everyone can understand this.’

Van Gerwen will especially be desperate to find form and fitness for the Matchplay where he will go in as defending champion, looking to lift the famous trophy for a fourth time.

Van Barneveld will also be in Blackpool, guaranteeing qualification at the weekend and he was full of praise for MVG after beating him.

‘Michael is an amazing player. To me he is still the best in the world,’ he said. ‘Tonight Michael didn’t play his A-game, but I never gave up and my doubles went in, so I’m really happy.

‘To beat him on the [European Tour] stage is a great feeling, and it shows even as a 56-year-old, you can still do well.

‘I’m working really hard and the hard work pays off. I have qualified for the World Matchplay, but we have to move further, and I proved tonight that I can still do this.’

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