Socceroos set-piece specialist Marco Bresciano is over an ear infection which left him bedridden this week and will play in Australia's World Cup opener against Japan on Monday.

Bresciano has been put on cortisone and antibiotics to fight the pain and infection and recovered well enough to train with the team on Thursday.

"I've had it for about four or five days but a couple of nights ago I couldn't sleep and I found out it was an ear infection," he said.

"I'm actually feeling a lot better. I've still got pain but it's bearable now.

"I was just in bed. It's more just the pain. There wasn't any imbalance or anything."

There was some concern for Australia at training on Thursday, with skipper Mark Viduka not taking part because of a slight calf injury.

After warming up, Viduka then left the field for treatment with physiotherapist Les Gelis and returned late in the session wearing a compression sock.

But officials say Viduka will be fine and available to play Japan.

Bresciano's recovery is heartening news for the Socceroos, who are likely to rely heavily on the Italian-based midfielder's delivery from corners and free-kicks to trouble a Japanese defence they rate as vulnerable to set pieces and aerial balls.

That perceived weakness could also lead to an opportunity for Australia's giant striker Josh Kennedy as a possible game-breaker during the match in Kaiserslautern.

Kennedy proved his mettle in Australia's lacklustre win over Liechtenstein on Wednesday.

Causing havoc in the air after coming on with the score at 1-1, Kennedy got his head to a Brett Emerton cross with 15 minutes remaining to break the deadlock.

If Australia finds itself in a similar situation against Japan, Kennedy now appears certain to be coach Guus Hiddink's weapon of choice.

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