Daniel Peretz has moved to calm any alarm over the bulky splint strapped to his right wrist during Southampton's pre-season friendly in Germany, insisting the get-up "only looks dramatic" and is nothing new.
The Israeli international started in goal as Southampton beat Eintracht Braunschweig 1-0 on Friday, keeping a clean sheet through the first half before making way at the break as Russell Martin's side worked through their squad on tour.
Photos of Peretz warming up with the guard visible on his hand quickly did the rounds among Saints supporters online, with one fan account posting a picture of the goalkeeper arriving at the stadium with the cast in plain view.
Asked about it afterwards, Peretz played it down. According to ONE, he said he felt good and that the brace was purely protective, stressing the issue was carried over from the closing weeks of last season rather than a fresh knock picked up in training or the game itself.
The 26-year-old spoke warmly about being back among his teammates and in front of Southampton's travelling fans in Germany, saying the squad relishes a packed schedule and expects a strong season with the fanbase's support as the club prepares for its return to the Premier League.
Peretz completed a permanent move to Southampton from Bayern Munich on July 1, signing a four-year contract through 2030 after an eye-catching loan spell split between Hamburger SV and St Mary's last season, in which he made 26 appearances and helped fire the club up the Championship table.
Southampton confirmed the deal as their first signing of the summer, with the goalkeeper immediately calling for unity in the squad as the club pushes to establish itself back in the top flight.
For now, the wrist guard appears to be little more than a pre-season talking point, with Peretz set to continue as Southampton's first-choice goalkeeper through the remainder of their preparations in Germany.
