Way has made just six League starts since joining Swansea last year

Way, 27, will have a nail inserted into the shaft of his tibia in an attempt to cure a long-standing stress fracture.

He has been out since October when the problem flared up again, and now scans have shown the shin has not healed since the first operation in 2005.

"The injury has been very difficult to treat," said Swans physio Richie Evans.

"The stress fracture is in a rare position on the tibia."

Way suffered the stress fracture while playing for Yeovil in November 2003, and suffered a recurrence of the problem two years later.

we can look forward to seeing him play again on a regular basis at the start of next season Swansea physio Richie Evans

Despite the injury, former Swansea manager Kenny Jackett signed him for �150,000 in January 2006, and Way was fit to make his Swans debut four days later.

But the problem flared up again two months later and he opted for a second operation in the summer.

He retuned to action in August only to suffer another set-back in October, and has been on the sidelines ever since.

"When he signed for us we were reassured by Yeovil that he was fully fit," Evans added.

"Darren also had an MRI scan as part of his medical and it confirmed that the shin had healed.

"Unfortunately, after playing and training, the symptoms reappeared. We've sent Darren to the best people possible.

"Two top physicians, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, biomechanist and a leading bone specialist reviewed his previous history and symptoms together and they felt an operation was the best way forward.