Scott Chipperfield's chances of playing in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Japan lies with Socceroos physio Phil Coles.

The FC Basel midfielder has been struggling with a foot injury recently and rates himself only a 50-50 chance of taking his part in Yokohama but ultimately his hopes of playing rest with Coles.

"I won't play this weekend in our first game after the winter break because it's on plastic pitch that causes a reaction in my foot and that means it's a touch and go whether I'll be given the chance to join up with the Socceroos," Chipperfield told SBS.

"I might be a bit short of fitness and I haven't even had the chance to train while Phil Coles has been here so far because of snow and that fact that the artificial practice pitches aren't good for my body. If I don't make it, I imagine David Carney will start with Shane Stefanutto probably on the bench. But that's just my guess."