Luca Brecel has revealed that health problems are preventing him compete on the World Snooker Tour.
The Belgian Bullet was scheduled to take part in the Saudi Arabia Masters but withdrew before he was set to enter the tournament, meaning he has no chance of claiming the £500,000 available to the winner.
The 2023 world champion has yet to play a professional event this season after withdrawing from the Wuhan Open qualifiers, British Open qualifiers, and he played no part in the Championship League.
The last time he was seen on a professional snooker table was during the 2025 World Championship at the Crucible, where he made the quarter-finals.
There he lost 13-8 to Judd Trump, and he hasn’t played since.
The actual nature of Brecel’s issue remains unknown, but he has taken to Instagram to express his frustration.
He said: “Hi everyone, some of you might have been wondering why I am not participating in snooker events since April.
“The truth is that I am suffering with health problems.
“Me and my team are doing everything we can to come out of this stronger and better than before.
“It’s been really frustrating to not be able to travel and compete in tournaments!
“But… I always choose to be optimistic! Tough times often lead to something great!”
When will Brecel return?
Brecel is one of the most talented players on the circuit, and he lives a life very different to most snooker players.
The Belgian has admitted that winning tournaments doesn’t even cross his mind, and he likes entertaining the crowd.
Speaking about this earlier this year, he said: “I just don’t really think a lot about winning tournaments and stuff like that.
“I just like playing the game.
“I’m more of a Ronaldinho type of player in snooker, so it’s all about just entertaining and fun!
“And also having a nice life around it, that’s more important to me! So yeah, no pressure.”
“I’ve not really thought about the possibility of winning a second world title.
“I’m not that interested in it.
“If it happens it happens, but if it doesn’t, then it’s all good.”
It is that attitude to being entertaining that has made Brecel such a firm favourite with supporters.
So fans will hope whatever his health issues are, he gets over them soon.
Judging by his post, it’s unclear when Brecel will be able to get back onto the baize.
But should he recover quickly, the qualifiers for the Xi’an Grand Prix and Northern Ireland Open are around the corner in September.