Brazilian side Corinthians player Chen Zhizhao, one of the few Chinese playing abroad, has been called into the national fold for the first time and is expected to inject some fresh blood into the struggling team.

Chen is eager to make his mark in China's midfield, which would please Corinthians no end as the Brazilian champion signed the 23-year-old partly because it wants to expand its brand into China.

Chen played for Chinese club Nanchang Hengyuan, then spent six months with Portugal's Trofense before moving to Corinthians in February 2012.