Cole complained of a rib problem during Chelsea's Barclays Premier League victory at Norwich on Sunday and went for a scan on Monday morning which has confirmed the full-back will not be able to play in the first match of England's double header at Wembley on Friday.
Whilst the left-back could be available for the following Tuesday's game against Poland, it does seem unlikely the veteran will be involved.
Out: Ashley Cole has withdrawn from the England squad after picking up a rib injury during Chelsea's 3-1 win at Norwich City
Replacement: Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs has been called into Roy Hodgson's squad
Whilst the injury itself is not a complete disaster with Baines in outstanding form, which brought interest from Manchester United this summer, it does add a complication Hodgson could have done without ahead of such a massive week.
England might qualify with four points, but to be certain of reaching next summer's Finals in Brazil they need to beat Montenegro and Poland.
They must do so without a recognised wide man due to injuries to Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, plus Ashley Young's loss of form.
Decision time: England boss Roy Hodgson is likely to start Everton's Leighton Baines (below)
Treatment: Cole will stay with Chelsea for further treatment on the injury
Discomfort: Cole leaves the substitutes' bench with a Chelsea physio after being replaced
Taking a back seat: The left back then returned to the bench to watch the remainder of the match
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