Al Hilal are winning games but their squad is shrinking around them. A 2-0 victory over Al-Raed on Monday secured progress into the King Cup round of 16, with Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves scoring both goals, in the 14th and 80th minutes. The result keeps the defending King Cup holders on track, though the performance drew familiar criticism about the team's routine, unspectacular style under Simone Inzaghi.

The bigger story sits off the pitch, where Al Hilal are managing a significant squad overhaul with the transfer window still open. Joao Cancelo has departed for Barcelona as a free agent after failing to reach an understanding with Inzaghi, taking a substantial pay cut to secure his release. Brazilian winger Malcolm appears close to joining newly promoted Al-Duhail, leaving the right-wing position exposed. Attempts to sign replacements, including Ousmane Dembele and Ilimane Ndiaye, have not succeeded, and negotiations with Chelsea over Pedro Neto hit a stumbling block over the asking price.

Internally, reports describe a clash between Inzaghi and Karim Benzema following the league opener against Al-Faisaly, with questions mounting over whether the French striker has a future at the club. Al Hilal won that match 4-2 but the tension around Benzema has not eased. With a Saudi Pro League trip to Al-Fayha on Thursday next, Inzaghi needs clarity on his attacking options before the window closes on September 6.