Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho revealed on Sunday that England international left-back Ashley Cole is carrying a rib injury.

The 32-year-old was replaced by Eden Hazard in the 75th minute of Chelsea's 3-1 win at Norwich City in the Premier League and was seen holding his side in apparent discomfort as he left the pitch.

However, Mourinho said that Cole was not withdrawn because of the injury and suggested that he would be able to play for England in their decisive World Cup qualifying games at home to Montenegro and Poland.

"Ashley Cole is having this little problem for a little while, but now he is hurt in the ribs," Mourinho said after Sunday's game at Carrow Road.

"I didn't change him because of that. I changed him because of an option, but then I realised the situation.

"He's my concern because I want England to do well and my players to do well in the national team. I will be there on Friday (to watch England)."

England play Montenegro at Wembley Stadium on Friday before tackling Poland at the same venue four days later, as they seek to book a place at next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.

Cole is England manager Roy Hodgson's first-choice left-back, although he faces competition for his position from Everton's Leighton Baines.