Charlton could be forced to start the season without influential midfielder Zheng Zhi after the playmaker was named in China's Olympic squad.

Should China reach the latter stages in Beijing Zheng would miss the Addicks' first four Championship games.

Boss Alan Pardew told the club's official website: "Obviously ZiZi will be a big miss while he is out in China, but we wish him all the best in the competition.

"I know it's something he has really been looking forward to, and with it taking place in his homeland I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience for himself and his team-mates.

"I'll be keeping an eye on his progress and I'm sure the Charlton fans will be supporting China when the tournament kicks off."