SOCCEROOS defensive lynchpin Trent Sainsbury has confirmed his vital move back to Europe ahead of the 2018 World Cup, signing on with Swiss side Grasshopper Zurich.

Sainsbury, who joins on loan from Chinese club Jiangsu Suning, is still recovering from his groin surgery which was delayed to allow the defender to help Australia qualify for the tournament in Russia.

But he now has a chance to regain his fitness and form in Switzerland, completing his second short term loan move away from China in as many seasons.

"Trent is currently still recovering from an operation late last year," said Grasshopper's sporting director Mathias Walther.

"We aim for a longer term cooperation with him. Trent convinces above all with his duel strength and a good game trigger."

In 2017, Sainsbury spent the back half of the season on loan with Italian giants Inter Milan where he made one Serie A appearance. He had earlier enjoyed a stint with Dutch Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle.

The 26-year-old had earlier undergone rehab from his surgery with Sydney FC, under the eye of former Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold.

Meanwhile, the Socceroos have not moved in FIFA's latest world rankings - remaining at 36th in the world.

That ranks them as the second best team in Asia, behind No.33 Iran but also well ahead of the likes of Japan (55), South Korea (58) and China (68).

Germany remains the highest ranked nation in the world, with no changes to the top 10, while Iceland have climbed to No.18 - an all-time high for them.

TOP 20 FIFA RANKINGS

1. Germany

2. Brazil

3. Portugal

4. Argentina

5. Belgium

6. Spain

7. Poland

8. Switzerland

9. France

10. Chile

11. Peru

12. Denmark

13. Colombia

14. Italy

15. Croatia

16. England

17. Mexico

18. Iceland

19. Sweden

20. Wales