The Gunners meet Fulham at Craven Cottage as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the table. Arsenal have only been beaten in one of their last 18 Premier League battles against fellow teams from the capital, but they need more than a draw if they want to fend off title rivals Liverpool.
Odegaard will be out for weeks
Arteta first gave some injury news, including a worrying update on captain Odegaard
"(Noni) Madueke - Getting closer as well, he will start to do some running very soon.
"(Kai) Havertz - Again, very difficult, a lot to do in his rehab, and he's really pushing it. We are doing good work with him again. He wants to break every timeline.
"Odegaard - It will be weeks, no definite date for his return, but he is evolving well. Very unlucky, but he will be back in a few weeks.
"I think he's in a really good place. He does everything he possibly can to prevent injuries. The ones he had are very difficult to prevent, so that takes some weight off.
"When you don't have an option, you adapt."
Rice's new role
The Spanish head coach also opened up on Declan Rice, saying his role has changed this season as he leads Arsenal's midfield.
"I think he is adapting to the qualities that we have, we have certain chemistries and certain relationships that you notice.
"With eight new players in the squad, different things emerge. We are trying to maximise his qualities and relationship with others to give the team the best capacity to perform."
What to expect from Hincapie
"Piero Hincapie has returned to training this week, much to the excitement of Arsenal fans who want to see him make his first start. Arteta explained what fans can expect from the young defender.
"Well, what you're going to see is aggression and determination. This is a player who goes full gas into every single action, especially defending. This is a player who is very clean on the ball, someone who wants to penetrate with the ball."
Gyokeres' poor form
Finally, Arteta was asked about Viktor Gyokeres and his current goal drought, which has many fans worried as he tries to transfer his goal-scoring ability to the Premier League.
"He brings so much to the team. I told him before the first meetings that the nine that I want don't score for six games can handle that. If you put the number nine shirt on for Arsenal, I have to act in a different way and we want more.
"The first thing is that that's something that is going to give you something extra. But also, he creates an environment and space, and with the talent that we have in the team, everyone will benefit from that."