Ben White may not offer Arsenal much in the way a normal full-back does. He isn't a major crosser. He can't spray passes from defence and doesn't create like the modern-day wideman.

As a repurposed centre-back he plays a completely different role. He operates in a much more functional position. Last season, for example, he got the same number of assists as Gabriel Martinelli and only two fewer goals. You would be hard-pressed to remember any of them.

Instead of being unplayable going forward, White is a tactical dream for Mikel Arteta. His positioning rarely leaves Arsenal exposed and always offers a passing angle for his teammates.

It is why, despite the lack of expressive flicks or tricks, White has been such a key part of one of Arsenal's best weapons: Their right-side triangle.

Understandably it is Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka who take the plaudits. They dominate matches and win them on their own in a tangible way. The movement and spaces occupied by White has paved the way for so much of their dual-wield attacking play, though.

It is no surprise that things have been less slick for Arteta without the 27-year-old. Even though his absence has not seen a marked downturn in form - Arsenal are yet to lose a league game without him and have won 11 of the 15 he has been out for - but there have been issues.

READ MORE: Arsenal have finally replaced Granit Xhaka as Mikel Arteta unleashes surprise midfield plan

READ MORE: Arsenal sent clearest transfer message yet as imminent Myles Lewis-Skelly decision awaits

READ MORE: Saka boost, new striker, Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly change - Mikel Arteta Dubai Arsenal to-do list

For much of this season there has been a lack of fluidity throughout the side. Odegaard's injury and slow return to fitness has not helped. When he did come back it was without the reliable White behind him. Takehiro Tomiyasu, a more front-foot option at full-back, has also been unavailable.

Jurrien Timber has certainly covered nobly but without much forward-thinking. He is an excellent defensive foil when White is out but does not have the same relationships with his forwards.

Then there is Saka, who has undoubtedly left the biggest hole. Surgery for him has left Arteta struggling for selection, something made even tougher by Ethan Nwaneri's own setback last month.

The good news is that White will be back soon. Arteta suggested that after the artificially created week off White could be in contention. "No news from the game against City and Ben is still out," he said before the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Newcastle United. "Hopefully after the break he will be available."

White has been seen training in Dubai during the warm weather camp. He now has a free midweek with his teammates before the trip to Leicester City at the weekend.

When he does get the nod it will not only be a benefit for Arteta and his squad because they will have a keystone back but it will also be a timely boost for Odegaard and whoever is chosen on the right. Having someone so in tune with Arteta's positional demands and the roles of those around him will be an immediate upgrade for Arsenal at a vital stage.

With the Champions League set to return in March and Arsenal hoping to gradually re-integrate their injured players ahead of a big end to the season, White coming into the fold now will have a massive effect on those close to him. Odegaard, in particular, could be freed up.

If Nwaneri can play without a burden on his own shoulders then it will be a brilliant thing for Arsenal as well. The balance of the side will certainly shift and as Arteta looks to answer a few key questions, White as the anti-attacking full-back may well provide a few surprise answers.