Nathan Aspinall has revealed he’s battling injury after his victory in the opening round of the Nordic Darts Masters.
Aspinall averaged 91.70 in a comfortable 6-2 win over Finland’s Marko Kantele but appeared to be in pain on stage.
‘The Asp’ battled through an arm injury two years ago that threatened to end his career, and the 32-year-old has worryingly said that his current issues are worse.
Nathan Aspinall provides update on injury to his throwing arm
Aspinall was visibly emotional when discussing his latest injury woes with Online Darts in Copenhagen.
He said: “It’s worse [than my injury two years ago]. I’m in a lot of pain, I’m going through a of issues at the moment, but we’ll keep fighting. I’ve got the right people around me, the right family around me.
“I’m struggling, I’m in a lot of pain but I’m still winning games. I’m still taking the best to the wire, I’m still beating the best players in the world with half an arm so I take the positives from that but I’m not in the best of places at the moment.”
Despite his troubles, the Stockport man has vowed to fight through the pain barrier to keep competing.
“I’m gonna keep playing and fighting through it,” he added.
Aspinall is vulnerable ahead of World Matchplay defence
Aspinall will have a target on his back heading to the Winter Gardens next month as the reigning World Matchplay Champion, and his revelation will only compound the pressure.
He may not be the only one struggling for fitness though as Matt Edgar believes Michael van Gerwen is also battling troubles.
‘The Asp’ spoke candidly about his pain and if he’s unable to rectify the problems he’s experiencing, concerns may grow about his career in the sport.
If there’s one player who knows how to battle through adversity however, it’s Nathan Aspinall.
He’s recovered from a potentially career-ending injury before to secure the biggest victory of his life in Blackpool last year, and he’ll hope to use this experience to overcome his new problems.