It requires assembly to make timely return amidst criticism (4,4)

I believe the answer is:

flat pack

'it requires assembly' is the definition.

'timely return amidst criticism' is the wordplay.
'timely' becomes 'apt'.
'return' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'amidst' indicates putting letters inside.
'criticism' becomes 'flack' (alternative spelling of 'flak').
'apt' backwards is 'tpa'.
'tpa' inserted inside 'flack' is 'FLAT-PACK'.

'to make' is the link.

(Another definition for flat pack that I've seen is " for assembly".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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