Al Ahli are riding a five-game winning streak across all competitions, yet the club's situation is more complicated than the results alone suggest. The latest win, a 2-1 victory over Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League Elite, extended that run and lifted the Jeddah side to second place in the West group standings with seven points. Ivan Toney scored the opener and has now reached 13 goals in the Saudi Pro League this season, making him the division's top scorer by a significant margin.

The injury list, though, is a serious concern. Seven players were unavailable for the Al-Gharafa match, including key figures Merih Demiral, Edouard Mendy, and Winderson Galeno, who is dealing with a ligament tear. The volume of absences drew sharp public criticism from Saudi sports broadcaster Sami Al-Qurashi, who described the situation in blunt terms. Coach Marino Pusic has defended his medical staff, but pressure is building on the Dutch manager to find solutions, with calls growing for the club's under-21 talent Moussa Adam to be promoted to the first team.

Off the pitch, the club still lacks a sporting director after three appointments in quick succession failed to stick. Albanian candidate Egli Tare has emerged as a candidate, though his name carries its own controversy. Adding to the uncertainty, reports link Toney to a move to Newcastle United in January, a club that already poached former manager Matthias Jaissle. Al Ahli face Al Shabab at SHG Arena on October 30 in the Saudi Pro League.