FEARS are growing for Ferrie Bodde's long-term future after the midfielder was told he needs another knee operation.

Swansea City have confirmed that Bodde will go under the knife after suffering what they are calling "ligament damage" at this stage.

But it is understood Swansea are concerned that Bodde has snapped a cruciate ligament — arguably the worst injury a footballer can suffer.

The latest problem is not in the knee which has given Bodde so much trouble since he first suffered a cruciate ligament rupture way back in November 2008.

And it may be that if he has now suffered serious damage in his other knee, the 29-year-old will have to contemplate bringing a premature end to his career in professional football.

"Ferrie Bodde is set to go under the surgeon's scalpel for a third knee operation," a Swans statement said.

"The Dutchman limped off after just two minutes of Swansea's reserve game against Arsenal last week after stepping up his comeback from a long-standing knee problem that has kept him out for virtually the last three years.

"While the latest injury is in the other knee, his surgeon has confirmed ligament damage that will require an operation in three to four weeks' time.

"However, the full extent of the injury cannot be fully diagnosed until the swelling has reduced significantly around the knee."

An inspiration in his early days at the Liberty Stadium, Bodde has had to endure a desperate run of fortune since that fateful game against Birmingham City when his knee troubles began.

The former ADO Den Haag player had a massive influence on Swansea's League One title success in 2007-08, and had taken the Championship by storm.

He is currently at home in Holland, where his surgery is likely to be performed.