Johnson to miss whole Champions League

Mitchell Johnson will not join Kings XI Punjab for the remainder of the Champions League after Cricket Australia ruled that he has not yet recovered from a rib injury.

Johnson was ruled out of the early part of the tournament after picking up the problem during the tri-series in Zimbabwe and Cricket Australia's general manager of team performance, Pat Howard, said he was still not ready.

"Unfortunately Mitchell is not back to 100% fitness so we will not be releasing him to Kings XI Punjab for the remainder of the Champions League," Howard said. "He will travel with the squad to Dubai on Sunday to continue his rehab with the team medical staff."

The Australians fly out on Sunday for their Twenty20 and three ODIs against Pakistan in the UAE, which will be followed by two Tests.

Johnson will be a key figure for Australia in the Tests especially and it is no surprise that Australia would not risk rushing him back too soon with Shane Watson already ruled out with a calf injury and Michael Clarke in doubt with a hamstring problem.

Johnson played four of the five ODIs in Zimbabwe, resting for one match in the middle of the tournament. However, he suffered rib pain during the series and when he returned to Australia scans confirmed when team physio Alex Kountouris described as "irritation of the tip of the rib".