Goodwin looks to foot surgery to get World Cup fit
But a more pressing soreness is a nerve in his left foot, requiring the Adelaide United talisman to go under the knife in a bid for a full A-League Men season to push his World Cup chances.
Despite the injury setback keeping him out of the Socceroos' last two World Cup qualifiers, Goodwin is clear on what's expected if he's to return for the big dance in North America next year.
A return to hometown club Adelaide United from Saudi Arabia has also given him added confidence in his ability to catch the eye of Socceroos coach Tony Popovic in the next 12 months.
"(Popovic) has made it very clear, it's about playing regularly and playing your best football," Goodwin said.
"I think he's shown by picking multiple A-League players it doesn't matter whether you're playing here or playing abroad.
"I made the last World Cup playing for Adelaide and had a really good World Cup there and a lot of my best football has come at Adelaide United."
Goodwin played a starring role in Australia's Qatar 2022 journey, scoring against France and taking the deflected shot credited as an own goal in the knockout stage against Argentina.
However, the Reds forward knows Popovic's expectation for any prospective Socceroo is good long-term club form, something Goodwin is hoping surgery can help him achieve.
"The injury I have is a neuroma, an inflamed nerve in my left foot that I've been managing for the last three or four years," Goodwin said on Wednesday.
"The cortisones are no longer working so I need to remove the lump and it's a six-week recovery."
The disappointing fortunes of Goodwin's relegated Saudi club Al Wehda led the 30-cap Socceroo to explore options both within Saudi Arabia and around the world.
Ultimately, it was the appeal of running out again for his hometown team that drew Goodwin back to South Australia where he'll continue to push his Socceroos credentials under new Adelaide boss Airton Andrioli.
"It was a little bit of the decision of OK, I'm 33, I don't see myself retiring any time soon," Goodwin said.
"I had two really good seasons (in Saudi Arabia) individually, and that translated into national team call ups and being consistent on the national stage.
"But going forward, it's about being where I feel the most passion for and I believe that's going to get the most out of my football."
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