China face Burma home and away on October 21 and 28 which would rule Zheng, who is the captain of his national side, out of three Championship matches.

But China's games fall outside the international window in this country so Addicks boss Alan Pardew is within his rights to keep hold of the midfielder.

"I apologise to the Chinese federation that they will be without ZiZi for these qualifiers, but I have made the decision to keep him here," said Pardew.

"If he were to travel, he would miss our games against Wolves, Plymouth and QPR because the fixtures fall outside of the international window.

"I know ZiZi is an important player for his country, but he is also important for us, and I am sure China will be able to get the results they need from the two games without him."