Sainsbury limped off with the injury in Australia’s last match, a 1-1 draw with Chile at the Confederations Cup in June.

The 25-year-old hasn’t played competitively since, but suggested he’d be available for selection for Thursday’s crucial clash.

“I’m very good at the moment,” Sainsbury said.

“I’m happy to be back in the camp with all the boys. Physically I had a bit of a rough time after the Confeds Cup.

“I’ve been working hard to get fit for my team Jiangsu and fit for this game, because it’s a big game.”

Sainsbury was Australia’s stand-out defender in Russia, starting all three games for the Socceroos.

The Jiangsu Suning defender said he loved the big occasions and acknowledged the Japan clash was “massive” for the Socceroos.

Sainsbury in action against Brazil

He is determined to shake his injury woes to be part of the game.

“You always want to be involved in the big games, that’s where the boys turn into men,” Sainsbury said.

“You get to show yourself. If you can make yourself the hero on the night and help the team and do your job, that’s the sort of camaraderie you want to be involved in.

“You want to be involved in every game with this team, there’s something special brewing.

“If you’re involved in the big games and you get that special moment, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.”

Sainsbury's last club appearance was for Inter in May

The China-based centre half could be reunited with first-choice defensive partner Matt Spiranovic following his return from a quad injury with Hangzhou Greentown.

Sainsbury was full of confidence ahead of the Japan clash, eyeing off all three points and putting the pressure on the hosts.

“I think the players we’ve got at the emoment, we’re definitely mentally and physically above the Japanese," he said. 

"They're on their home soil and they’ve got great support behind them. Their fans are always very welcoming but at the same time there’s a lot more pressure on them than us.

"I think the boys are ready for it. I’m pretty sure we’re going to come away with three points with the way we’re feeling and the boys’ attitude at the moment."