Zheng will captain China's football team at the Olympics

Charlton will be without Zheng Zhi for the start of the Championship season after the midfielder was named in China's squad for the 2008 Olympics.

Zheng may miss up to four league games depending on China's success at the Games in his home country.

"ZiZi will be a big miss while he is out in China," Charlton boss Alan Pardew told the club's website.

"But we wish him all the best in the competition. I know it's something he has really been looking forward to."

Zheng, who will turn 28 on 20 August, is the team's captain and is one of three overage players allowed in the Under-23 squads of teams in Beijing.

Pardew added: "With the Olympics 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."