SMITH HIT BY SEVERE SHOULDER INJURY
20/08/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
MICHAEL SMITH admits he is playing through the pain barrier after being diagnosed with “severe osteoarthritis” in his right shoulder.
Former World Champ Smith has been plagued by injuries in recent months and pulled out of Players Championships 22 and 23 as well as European Tour 11 and 12 to undergo tests.
St Helens thrower Smith now faces cortisone and PRP injections in his shoulder and hand in a bid to ease the pain.
Two-times major winner Smith says his body began to break down after the “relief” of his Ally Pally triumph in 2023.
He said: “When I won the Worlds, it was a huge relief because my body knew it as well.
“I was going through it and my body was fighting with me.
“Soon as that relief went my body went the different way.
“I was like I don’t have to fight as much now when my brain is still trying to.
“I had results back on the 3rd of August saying I’ve severe osteoarthritis in my shoulder.
“The right side, it’s not knackered but it’s not great, so I’ve got cortisone injections booked in for my hand and my shoulder.
“After that it is PRP injections but it’s one of them — I either moan about it or keep practicing and get on with it.
“I know I’ve done it before going through the pain so I can do it now.”
The 34-year-old is in danger of missing the World Grand Prix and European Championship.
Smith has endured a tough spell since finishing runner-up to Luke Littler at last year’s World Series of Darts Finals, slipping to world No 21 in the process.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
