Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson is facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming Indian Premier League as he continues to recover from a toe infection that ruled him out of the World Twenty20.

In an update on contracted players released Friday, Cricket Australia (CA) said the injury had affected Johnson’s leg and still required treatment.

The infection started from a cut suffered during Australia’s series-clinching third Test triumph over South Africa in Cape Town.

“He is recovering from an infection that began in his right big toe, before affecting his right leg,” CA wrote.

“He is being managed by a team of medical specialists.

“Depending on how quickly he recovers, Johnson’s next scheduled commitment is the 2014 Indian Premier League where he will represent Kings XI Punjab which finishes at the end of May.”

Kings XI Punjab paid $1.15 million for the left-arm quick to play in the tournament, which begins in April.

Johnson’s place in the Australian T20 squad was filled by 32-year-old Doug Bollinger, who linked up with the side in Bangladesh earlier this week ahead of Sunday’s opening clash with Pakistan.

Meanwhile, CA said fellow Test paceman Ryan Harris was “recovering well” a week after having surgery on his right knee.

“The aim will be to have Ryan fit to play in the Test series against Pakistan later in the year but medical staff will continue to assess his progress over the coming period,” it said.