PDC Injury Report: Smith's Arthritis Battle, Price Squashes Retirement Rumours, and Menzies' Recovery

The autumn darts calendar is a relentless meat grinder, and the physical toll is actively reshaping the PDC Order of Merit. With the World Grand Prix concluded and the European Championship looming, several of the sport's biggest names are battling through significant injuries and health scares. Staying on the oche right now requires serious medical management.

Former World Champion Michael Smith is facing the most severe physical test of his career. A brutal combination of arthritis in his throwing wrist and chronic ankle swelling forced him out of the PDC's top 32 this summer. It marks his first time dropping out of that elite bracket since 2013.[1]

The 35-year-old St Helens star has resorted to cortisone injections to manage the pain and regain basic mobility. Outlining the severity of the condition, Smith stated, "Since I played pro tours in Milton Keynes and made the final my ankles haven't been in a great place with constant swelling and being unable to walk for four/five days straight."[1]

That lack of mobility has severely hampered his practice routine and his ability to travel for the European Tour. Smith, who captured his maiden World Championship title just three years ago, currently holds £304,500 on the two-year Order of Merit.[1]

He noted that the grueling travel demands—including a recent 13-hour train journey across Germany—directly exacerbated his joint inflammation. The physical grind is costing him crucial ranking money, but he has categorically ruled out taking an extended break.[1]

Instead, he is opting to play through the discomfort as he fights to reclaim his position among the sport's top contenders. He also dismissed rumors of an impending shoulder replacement, determined to keep his tour card active.[1]

Price Squashes Retirement Whispers

Elsewhere, Gerwyn Price has publicly shut down speculation that he is ready to walk away from the professional circuit. Following a frustrating 6-4 defeat to Luke Humphries in the World Grand Prix final, rumors circulated that the 41-year-old Welshman might step back due to ongoing personal health issues and mental fatigue.[2]

Price took to social media on Tuesday to definitively end the conversation. Accompanied by a string of laughing emojis, the 2021 World Champion posted a clear message to his doubters. "Retirement??? I'm here for a very, very, very, very, very, very long time," he wrote, signaling his intent to push through his recent struggles.[2]

The Welshman has been open about needing a mental break earlier in the year, describing the relentless tour schedule as mentally exhausting. He has dropped three major finals in 2026, falling to Luke Littler at the World Matchplay, Ross Smith at the World Series of Darts Finals, and Humphries in Leicester.[2]

The fact that Price is consistently reaching these televised deciders while openly battling fatigue underscores his raw scoring ability. However, clearing the final hurdle has proven physically taxing. Darts pundit Wayne Mardle backed the Welshman this week, noting that Price is a born winner who was simply frustrated by the Grand Prix result.[2]

Menzies' Ongoing Recovery

The PDC is also monitoring the ongoing health of Cameron Menzies, who suffered a frightening on-stage medical emergency at the World Matchplay in July. The 37-year-old experienced severe dizziness and high blood pressure during his second-round clash with Ross Smith. The incident forced an abrupt medical withdrawal and an immediate evaluation.[3]

Menzies has since been cleared to return to the board, but the collapse highlighted the intense physical stress players endure under the stage lights. He is currently managing his blood pressure while attempting to secure his spot in the upcoming winter majors. The Scottish thrower knows the margins for qualification are razor-thin.[3]

Menzies had previously dealt with a severe hand injury after punching a water table in frustration at the World Championship, which required surgery and left him with lingering nerve damage. His ability to bounce back from both physical and medical setbacks has made him a fan favorite, but the grueling tour schedule leaves little room for full recovery.[4]

Finally, World Grand Prix champion Luke Humphries gave fans a minor scare when he walked onto the Leicester stage sporting a visible forehead wound. The world number one quickly defused concerns, revealing the cut was simply the result of an allergic reaction to a makeup brush during a television shoot. It clearly did not impact his dominant title run.[5]