Champions League T20: Mitchell Johnson's arrival at Kings XI Punjab delayed by injury

Mitchell Johnson's arrival at the Champions League Twenty20 has been delayed because of a rib problem.

The Australia fast bowler is due to turn out for Kings XI Punjab in the tournament in India after they qualified for the first time by finishing second in the Indian Premier League.

Johnson first noticed the pain during Australia's tour of Zimbabwe and he has not been cleared to return to action by the team's medical staff.

Australia physio Alex Kountouris said: “Mitch had some rib pain during the recent tour of Zimbabwe. 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.”

Cricket Australia general manager Pat Howard said there was no certainty he would be available for any part of the tournament, with group games scheduled to run until the end of the month ahead of the semi-finals on October 2 and final on October 4 in Bangalore.

He added: “Due to medical advice Mitch has not been released to play in the CLT20 tournament at this time.

"A decision on his release to play for the Kings XI will depend on how he responds to treatment.”