Wenger urges Walcott patience

Arsenal boss expects striker to improve

Last updated: 19th August 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Wenger urges Walcott patience

Walcott: Wenger support

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Arsene Wenger has insisted he is not concerned about Theo Walcott's development.

The 19-year-old striker joined Arsenal from Southampton in January 2006 and was a surprise selection in the England World Cup squad later that year.

He has since broken into the Gunners side and started the Premier League opener against West Brom at the weekend.

Wenger believes it would be wrong to expect too much from Walcott at this stage of his career, but he is backing the youngster to play an increasingly important part for Arsenal.

"I am not worried. You have to give them time. He is 19 years old," said Wenger.

"Theo is not yet completely there collectively, but he can make decisions in big games. That will always be his strength."

Wenger added: "He is a boy who will always make progress, because he is intelligent and he knows where he wants to get and that is why I believe you have to be patient with him."

Invention

Cesc Fabregas is once again set to miss out when Arsenal face Fulham on Saturday, with Wenger being forced to select something of a makeshift midfield.

But the Arsenal boss expects his side to go from strength to strength as key players return to fitness.

"I believe that when everyone is sharp, we will have much more invention," he explained.

"But of course, you always want a player like Fabregas to be in there because he gives you the quality of the pass."