Still A Long Way For Darren

Swansea midfielder Darren Way is still months away from playing football following the news that he needs another operation on his on-going shin problem.

The former Yeovil player has hardly featured for the Swans since joining 14 months ago because a shin injury that he's had since he arrived at the Liberty Stadium.

He suffered a stress fracture of the tibia playing for the Glovers in November 2004, and despite returning to the Yeovil first team, he has had constant problems with his shin throughout his stay in South Wales.

He will go under the knife for the third time on Wednesday at London's Lister Hospital to have a nail inserted into the shaft of his tibia, keeping him out for up to 6 months.

Physio Richard Evans said: 'After further scans and a consultation with leading consultant Andy Williams, who does a lot of work with Premiership champions Chelsea, it was revealed that Darren's stress fracture has still not healed properly,''

'Darren's injury has been a very difficult case to treat because the stress fracture is in a rare position on the tibia.

'When he signed for us we were reassured by Yeovil that he was fully fit. Darren also had an MRI scan as part of his medical and it confirmed that the shin had healed.

nfortunately, 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.

'They are confident that this will finally resolve his injury problems and we can look forward to seeing him play again on a regular basis at the start of next season.''

Because of his on-going injury problems, Way has made just 6 starts for the Swans, plus 8 substitute appearances.

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