Joe Cullen faces a race to be fit for next weekend’s Coral UK Open Finals in Minehead after suffering a slipped disc in a freak incident.
‘The Rockstar’ took to social media on Friday evening to reveal that he sustained the back injury whilst cleaning out his garage on Thursday and admits he now faces a battle to be fit for next week’s ‘FA Cup of Darts’ in Minehead.
The world number eighteen told his followers: “Sorting the garage out yesterday….felt something go in my back! Been to see an osteopath today and I’ve slipped a disc! Back there on Monday for acupuncture to try and get somewhere near to fighting fit in time for Minehead next week.”
Cullen narrowly missed out on securing an automatic third-round spot at next week’s UK Open, finishing 37th on the final Order of Merit. He reached the quarter-final in the third qualifier; accruing a total of £3,000 across the six events, which saw him miss out on a top 32 spot by just £500.
The Bradford ace is due to take on Spanish newcomer Jose Antonio Justicia Perales in the second-round on Friday afternoon. Perales was involved in a well-documented altercation with Adrian Lewis in the opening qualifier, which saw the two-time world champion receive a suspended three-month ban.
Cullen will return to the osteopath for acupuncture this Monday in a bid to be fit for the first ranking major of the new season. The 28-year-old is on the verge of breaking into the world’s top 16 for the first time after enjoying a fine 2017, which included winning his first two Pro Tour titles. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery Joe!
Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
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