Arteta and Edu £103m Arsenal plan can finally be unveiled with key duo

The excitement has grown around the potential returns of Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey to the Arsenal squad, although hopes surrounding the former should be tempered despite recent optimism. Timber continues his rehabilitation from what was a serious knee injury which has tended to see players miss between seven and nine months.

That said, the prospect of Timber and Partey coming back into the side would be the first time Arsenal fans would see both players play since the first Premier League game of the season. Mikel Arteta started both players in the back four although the Ghanaian was tasked with playing something of an auxiliary midfield role instead.

In the wake of both their absences Arteta has experimented with several defensive and midfield setups depending on the opponent. Injuries have also contributed to the likes of Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho and Kai Havertz playing in numerous games and for some, they have needed to adapt to different positions.

Havertz has been scrutinised for his lack of impact despite the £65million investment the club threw at Chelsea to land the German international. He has been deemed a replacement for the summer exit of Granit Xhaka, although perhaps it is not as clear cut as that.

Granted, Havertz has played the majority of games where Xhaka would have started, at least on paper. However, it is worth pointing out that during the Community Shield victory over Manchester City, Arteta decided to go with Declan Rice and Partey in midfield alongside Martin Odegaard.

This trio would surely have been the most common selection as the season progressed and looked to be one of the best in the league. The injuries to Timber but particularly Partey have undermined Arteta’s long-term plans for this season at the very minimum.

Timber and Havertz perhaps not being utilised in the manner that Arteta would have liked accounts for more than £100million worth of investment. A financial commitment that when it finally does get implemented as intended is sure to make a world of difference.

Despite their absences, Arteta has managed to keep his Arsenal side holding onto the title race and a clash with Liverpool at the start of February can thrust his side firmly back into contention. Partey could even be available for the fixture with some suggestions the Ghanaian is targeting the Nottingham Forest trip as a potential match to make his return.

Timber meanwhile is as Arteta says "some weeks away" but the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu from the Asia Cup in the coming weeks will be a further bonus. Although little will temper excitement to see a Partey-Rice midfield partnership as the Gunners hope to keep pace at the top for much longer than last season.