Cricket Australia has withdrawn pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson from this week’s start of the lucrative Champions League T20 in India because of a rib injury.

Johnson plays for Indian side King’s XI Punjab.

“Mitch had some rib pain during the recent one-day international tour of Zimbabwe,” Australia team physio Alex Kountouris said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Since returning to Australia, he has had some scans that have confirmed some irritation of the tip of the rib.

“As such he has had a break from bowling since returning to Australia and having regular treatment to resolve the problem.

“He has not fully recovered as yet and will be reviewed over the next week.”

CA’s team performance manager Pat Howard said a decision on Johnson’s release to play in the tournament will depend on how he responds to treatment.

The Champions League T20 final is scheduled for October 4 in Bangalore.

Australia are due to play three ODI games and a T20 match against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in October, followed by a two-Test series.

On Tuesday it was revealed that Australian captain Michael Clarke was still carrying a hamstring injury and that he would be unavailable for the one day games in the UAE.