Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed on Friday that captain Martin Ødegaard could remain sidelined until after the November international break following his latest injury setback.

Ødegaard made unwanted history earlier this month, becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts after limping off with a knee injury against West Ham on October 3. The 26-year-old had already been managing a recurring shoulder issue this season.

“It’ll be weeks—there’s no definite return date yet, but he’s progressing well,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Fulham on Saturday. “He’s been really unlucky with these injuries. It could be after the next international break, but we’ll have to see how his knee responds and how he manages the next stages of rehab. It’s too early to say for sure.”

Despite Ødegaard’s absence and fitness concerns surrounding Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, William Saliba, and Noni Madueke, Arsenal have surged to the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners currently sit one point ahead of Liverpool after seven games, as they aim to end a run of three consecutive third-place finishes.

Meanwhile, summer signing Viktor Gyökeres—brought in to solve Arsenal’s long-standing striker problem—has scored just three goals in 10 appearances and none in his last eight outings for club and country.

Arteta, however, expressed full confidence in the Swedish forward. “He brings a lot to the team, and when I rewatch the games, I’m very pleased with his overall contribution,” the manager said.

“I told him from the start, if you’re Arsenal’s number nine, you need to handle not scoring for six or eight games. The pressure and expectation will always be there. You have to stay the same player, play the same way, and not let it affect you.

“I’m happy with his performances so far—he just needs to keep doing what he’s doing. Once the chances come, the goals will follow.”