Ashley Cole will not suit up for the Three Lions on Friday in their 2013 World Cup Qualifiers clash against Montenegro at the Wembley Stadium due to a rib injury.

"Cole had something in his ribs that we need to assess. I want England to do well, so I hope he's fine." Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho spoke to Skysports of Cole's injury.

The England defender sustained the blow following Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Norwich City in the English Premier League on Sunday.

A diagnostic scan was performed on Monday which indicated that Cole will not be fit to play.

He will be undergoing treatment during the 2-week lay-off of the Premier League because of the international break.

Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs was called up to fill in the void, while Everton left-back Leighton Baines will likely be named as starter in lieu of the Blues defender.

Theo Walcott also backed out because of abdominal problems.

England is sitting on the top spot of Group H with 16 points and will need a win against Montenegro to bolster their chances of making it to the World Cup Finals in Brazil in 2014, as competition is tight with Ukraine and Motenegro currently having 15 points apiece, and Poland with 13.

A second place finish in the group will mean playing a two-legged play-off against a future opponent, which the Three Lions would definitely want to avoid..

The two national teams last met on March wherein Dejan Damjanovic canceled out Wayne Rooney's 6th minute strike.

It was an almost evenly played match with England keeping the ball at 55 per cent and with both teams being able to guide the ball on target five times.

Kick-off time will be at 1 am Australian EST on Saturday, Oct 12, 2013.