Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has "no worries" about the continued development of Theo Walcott - but has once more called for patience towards the England youngster.

The teenager has started both of the Gunners' competitive fixtures of the new campaign, making the most of injuries to grab his chance and look to set down a marker.

Because of a lack of fit England strikers, Walcott, 19, found himself promoted from the Under-21s into Fabio Capello's senior squad and could win a third cap in the friendly against the Czech Republic at Wembley on Wednesday night.

It has certainly been a rollercoaster ride for the former Southampton trainee, who arrived at Arsenal in a big-money move during January 2006 and was a controversial selection for Sven-Goran Eriksson's ill-fated World Cup squad that year when he had yet to make his debut for the Gunners.

However, Walcott is now an established member of Wenger's first team and much is expected of the attack-minded youngster this season.

The Arsenal manager, though, has every confidence Walcott - whom he sees more as a central striker in the long term - will continue to go from strength to strength at his own pace.

"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 patient with him."

Arsenal will look to continue their 100% start when they travel to Fulham on Saturday for the televised early evening kick-off.

However, Wenger will once again be forced to field something of a makeshift midfield - which included Emmanuel Eboue against West Brom on Saturday - as key man Cesc Fabregas continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.

But the Gunners boss maintains: "I believe that when everyone is sharp, we will have much more invention.

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

Wenger expects Euro 2008 winner Fabregas to be back in contention for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Steve McClaren's FC Twente at Emirates Stadium on August 27.

If all goes to plan, by the time the transfer window closes on September 1, Arsenal will have added another midfielder to the squad.

That may well prove to be Udinese's Switzerland international Gokhan Inler, rated at around £8million - although Wenger has expressed more than a passing interest in both Xabi Alonso and Gareth Barry, yet would be unwilling to pay top dollar for a player who would be cup-tied in Europe until after the group stages.

Arsenal will closely monitor the fitness of winger Samir Nasri ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage.

The 21-year-old winger - signed from Marseille in a £12million deal over the summer - has pulled out of the France squad for the friendly against Sweden because of a thigh strain.

Nasri missed the first leg of the Champions League qualifier in Holland because of a similar problem, but marked his debut with what proved to be the winning goal after only four minutes against the Baggies.

Meanwhile, Tomas Rosicky maintains Arsenal are all "in it together" following reports he had criticised team-mates William Gallas and Gael Clichy.

The Czech winger feels his comments regarding last season's dramatic 2-2 draw at Birmingham - where striker Eduardo suffered an horrific broken leg, Clichy gave away a last-gasp penalty and captain Gallas broke down in tears - had been misinterpreted.

Rosicky, who is currently recovering from a hamstring problem, insists the squad are united in their quest to bring honours to Emirates Stadium.

In a statement on the club's official website, www.arsenal.com, Rosicky said: "I would never blame individuals for the team not lifting a trophy. We are in it together. We win as a team and we lose as a team.

"As individuals, we all make mistakes and the message I was relaying to a Czech newspaper was that we are more experienced now and have learnt from last season.

"We came so close last year to winning something and we will be giving it our all to win a trophy this year."

Elsewhere, youngster Kieran Gibbs, 18, seems set for another loan spell in the Coca-Cola Championship with Reading.

(re-opens) Arsenal have allowed 18-year-old midfielder Nacer Barazite to join Derby on loan until the end of December.

The Dutch youth international made two first team appearances last season in the Carling Cup before being sidelined with a shoulder injury.

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