Forgotten Arsenal stars return in a behind-closed-doors match only to be defeated 4-0

ARSENAL gave two first-team players some much-needed minutes in a 4-0 behind-closed-doors friendly defeat to QPR today.

The Gunners are making the most of the break to give those not on international duty the chance to get up to full strength ahead of the pre-season and title challenge.

Thomas Partey is working towards full fitness again ahead of the start of the seasonCredit: Getty

Takehiro Tomiyasu is also on the comeback after problems with his calvesCredit: Getty

SunSport understands Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu were involved. Partey was credited with 60 minutes, while Tomiyasu played 45 minutes.

But Jurrien Timber did NOT playing as he continues his rehabilitation from ACL surgery.

The match took place at one of QPR’s training grounds and there were a lot of Arsenal U21s in attendance who had the chance to impress Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal had not played since beating Porto on March 12 to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with their next meeting against Manchester City on March 31.

Partey made his official return from the bench on March 4 against Sheffield United, having been out for five months following thigh surgery in October.

Before that, the Ghanaian had only been on the field for half an hour since August.

Partey also played the final few minutes of Arsenal’s 2–1 win over Brentford on 9 March, as he returned to regular football.

Boss Arteta hopes Partey can play a big role with just 10 league games remaining in the Premier League and a Champions League quarter-final next month.

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Tomiyasu has also struggled with injuries this season and has been dealing with a calf problem, meaning the Japan international is yet to play for Arsenal this calendar year.

But after signing a new two-year contract this week – with the option of a further 12 months – Tomiyasu was given game time against QPR.

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The return of Tomiyasu gives Arteta plenty of options at the back and can rotate players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White and Jakub Kiwior if necessary.

However, Dutch full-back Timber – who was injured on the opening day of the Prem against Nottingham Forest in August – is not yet ready to participate in a match situation.

Timber has been involved in full training with the seniors in recent weeks and is building up to be able to perform again sometime next month.

However, Arteta won’t be taking any chances with a player he sees as crucial to his setup, and internally the club is very excited about what Timber can bring to the side next season when he is fully fit.