Nabbout is flying to Melbourne to have surgery after dislocating his right shoulder in Australia's 2018 FIFA World Cup draw with Denmark.

"I have been told the rehab is about six months," Nabbout said after missing the Socceroos' 2-0 loss to Peru.

"It's a painful one but hopefully I can make it back in less and be ready for the Asian Cup (next year)."

Nabbout first dislocated the same shoulder on May 2 when making his J.League debut for Urawa Red Diamonds.

"I knew the fact that I did it a second time that I needed an operation," he said.

"I was contemplating getting surgery after the first one but with a World Cup around the corner, I just rehabbed it and made it as strong as possible coming into here.

"I knew it was a risk that if I did it again, it was definite surgery."

Nabbout started as Australia's lone striker in the initial two FIFA World Cup group games - a 2-1 loss to France and the 1-1 draw with Denmark.

He said being punted into the starting side by coach Bert van Marwijk was a huge confidence boost.

"It's no secret he believed in me a lot," Nabbout said.

"To have someone of his calibre throwing me in two starting line-ups in a row, against very big teams, was massive.

"It was a dream come true just to be here and hopefully many more to come."