The FC Basel man, who picked up the injury during a recent training session, is not expected to be back in action until the beginning of March, leaving him little time to impress Pim Verbeek ahead of the World Cup.

He is hoping to be back in contention for the Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia in Brisbane.

"I'm a bit worried," the 33-year-old told the Illawara Mercury.  "It's not good timing, hopefully I'll be back playing by March. That leaves me a couple of months before the World Cup.

"I can't have any mishaps. It's going to be tough because I don't know how many games I will be able to play in before the training camp."

Chipperfield, who had been in fine form for his club, is expected to begin his recovery back in Australia.