Al Ahli are showing signs of recovery after a difficult start to the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season, but the injury crisis surrounding the squad remains a serious concern. The Jeddah club beat Al-Fayha 3-2 in Matchday 10 to move to 18 points and fifth place in the table, continuing a run of positive results since the last international break. Artem Bondarenko scored twice and Firas Al-Buraikan added a third to complete the comeback win, though the match was not without controversy as Al-Fayha coach Fabio Carille publicly questioned the result over stoppage time decisions.

The bigger worry for coach Marino Pusic is the growing injury list. Ivan Toney, the team's top scorer in the league with 11 goals, was already sidelined before the Al-Fayha match, and a further injury emerged during that game, deepening the squad's problems. With Toney absent, the attacking burden has shifted to others, and while Al-Buraikan stepped up against Al-Fayha, the Saudi forward is also among the nominees for the AFC Best Player award, adding external attention to his performances at a critical moment for the club.

Al Ahli host Al Khaleej on Thursday at King Abdullah Sports City, a fixture they will approach with momentum but a stretched squad. Closing the gap on the teams above them depends on staying healthy as much as staying consistent.