The Pro Tour darts circuit is heading back to UK soil, and the race for the PDC's World Matchplay is heating up. After a whirlwind stint in Hildesheim, Germany, the action shifts to Leicester's Mattioli Arena for a double-header of floor events—and the drama is already building.

With just a week between tournaments, the pace is relentless, but so are the withdrawals. It's become a familiar theme this season, and the latest list of absentees has fans talking. Reigning World Champion Luke Littler, known as "The Nuke," is once again sitting this one out. He's yet to play a floor event in 2025, and many suspect he's biding his time until after the Premier League concludes before stepping into that arena. His absence keeps the field wide open.

He's not alone. Premier League regulars Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price are also giving Leicester a miss, likely with their eyes on the bigger prize. Price, in particular, has now skipped eight consecutive Players Championship events, with whispers of a niggling injury keeping him sidelined. Fans will be watching his fitness closely as the World Matchplay approaches.

Other notable no-shows include "The Flying Scotsman," who's been selective with his schedule—though interestingly, he made both Hildesheim stops this year. It seems Wigan, not Leicester, is his personal bugbear. Belgian star Mike De Decker is also absent for the first time this campaign, a surprising move given he's still chasing prize money for the Matchplay. Personal matters may be at play.

Further down the rankings, Scott Williams is also out, though his Matchplay hopes are slimmer. Meanwhile, Matthias Ehlers and Pero Ljubic—who've yet to win a match on tour this year—have pulled out, raising a few eyebrows. And newlywed Carl Sneyd? He apparently forgot to show up.

With the field thinning, the stage is set for a fresh wave of contenders to step up. Will a dark horse emerge in Leicester, or will the favorites dominate? One thing's for sure: the road to Blackpool just got more interesting.