Charlton manager Alan Pardew's worst fears were realised with confirmation that key midfielder and China captain Zheng Zhi will miss the start of the new season because of international commitments.

Zheng will be absent from the opening four Championship games against Swansea, Watford, Reading and Preston after being named in China's squad for the Olympic Games.

Pardew, who admitted last season that he expected to be without Zheng for the start of the campaign, believes that fatigue could force him to miss even more matches.

"We wish him all the best in the Olympics and I know he's been looking forward to the Games.

"But what with World Cup qualifers and Olympic matches, he's going to be pretty tired by the time he returns to us."