Mikel Arteta confirmed that Martin Odegaard will be out for weeks, while noting there is "no definite date for his return".

The Arsenal captain suffered a medial collateral ligament injury before the international break, which forced him off the pitch in the 2-0 win over West Ham two weeks ago.

As such, Odegaard was forced to pull out of Norway's squad for the October internationals, with early reports suggesting he could be out until after the November break.

Arteta admitted that could be the case, but said he hopes to have him back sooner.

"He will be weeks, no definite date for his return, but he's evolving well," Arteta said in his press conference ahead of Arsenal's trip to Fulham.

"It's very unlucky what's happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks.

"It could be [an absence until after the international break], but we will have to see how he is progressing, how his knee is feeling, how he manages the next steps in his rehab; it's too early to get an answer."

This is the third injury issue Odegaard has faced this season, having twice been sidelined by a shoulder problem. As such, the 26-year-old has managed just 204 minutes in the Premier League this term.

Arsenal have made a strong start to the season and sit top of the pile heading into the weekend, with a one-point lead over Liverpool.

Since facing 22 shots against Manchester United on MD1, Arsenal have restricted their opponents to fewer than 10 attempts in all six of their Premier League games.

And Arteta is hopeful their defensive solidity can continue at Craven Cottage, with Arsenal looking for their first away win against Fulham since 2022-23.

"That's a platform to build performances and results, that's for sure," Arteta said.

"We want to consistently be able to defend at that level. In order to do that is how well we attack and how committed everybody is to doing what we have to do.

"If we continue to do that, it's going to give us a big chance to get what we want."