FFA head of sport science Darren Burgess declared the Illawarra-born international had every chance of playing in a second World Cup despite facing three months sidelined with a torn ankle ligament.

Chipperfield had been expected to return to Wollongong for treatment on the ankle syndesmosis injury, which placed his South Africa 2010 hopes in jeopardy, but opted to remain in Switzerland.

Burgess said the ailment may be a blessing in disguise. "At this stage of the year the injury might be a good thing for him because it will mean he will get some rest," Burgess said.

"Otherwise he would have only had 10 days, maybe a fortnight off between now and the World Cup.

"Assuming everything goes well, it won't affect his ability to play at the World Cup."

Chipperfield, who turns 34 on December 30, will spend six weeks in a moon boot before a gradual return to training and hopefully to the pitch in mid-February.

The 63-cap veteran wants to be back in the national fold for the March 3 Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia, a target Burgess labelled realistic.

"It's feasible if it goes well, we'd love to have him there," Burgess said.

The injury, to the ligament connecting the tibia and fibula to the ankle, is most common in basketballers and netballers.

"It doesn't often happen to footballers - the effect is like stepping in a hole or landing on someone's foot," Burgess said.

"It's one of the more serious ankle injuries because you can't put any weight on it for six weeks."

Burgess said age had nothing to do with Chipperfield's untimely training ground mishap, which required surgery.

"It's not a factor in this, it won't impact on his recovery," Burgess said.

"Some guys in Europe are playing twice a week and you find age isn't considered in training loads.

"When he comes back to the national team, Scott won't train the same way a Carl Valeri or Josh Kennedy will."

Socceroos physio Phil Coles will travel to Switzerland in mid-January to help the former Wollongong Wolves player ease back into training.

"It's unfortunate in Scott's case that he'll be coming back on frozen pitches, that leads to a lot more wear and tear," Burgess said.

"Mark Bresciano, for example, plays in southern Italy, where the temperatures are fantastic."

Burgess' main concern is ensuring Chipperfield regains match fitness before the Socceroos squad assembles in Melbourne in mid-May for a farewell game.