The combative Brazilian midfielder is back in training with Spurs, but is unlikely to play a part in the club's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 18
Tottenham midfielder Sandro is rebuilding his confidence after suffering a knee injury in January last season.
The Brazilian was forced out of action for the remainder of the 2012-13 campaign during a 0-0 draw with QPR at Loftus Road.
Sandro is now back in training ahead of the new season, but has indicated he is unlikely to play a part in Spurs' season opener against Crystal Palace.
"The knee still needs to get stronger and learn how to move again, and I’m still not completely confident about going in for 50-50 balls," Sandro told the official Fifa website.
"That’s my strong suit after all: fighting for possession, defending and winning the ball back. That’s how I’ve got this far and how I worked my way into the Brazil team."
Targeting a return to the Tottenham starting XI and a place in the Brazil World Cup squad, Sandro also hopes playing alongside new White Hart Lane signing and compatriot Paulinho may aid the pair's chances of being included by Luiz Felipe Scolari.
He added: "Playing alongside Paulinho could be good for me but we’ll just have to wait and see. To be honest, right now it’s all down to me. If can get back to the kind of form I was in when I got injured, then I’ll get the call, which I think I would have got before.
"I’ve lost time but now I’ve got a year in which to show I’m good enough for a place at the World Cup. There is pressure on me but it’s a nice type of pressure. After everything I’ve been through, I’m happy to be where I am right now, and all I want to do is play."