Daniel Peretz cut short his international break on Thursday after withdrawing from Israel's Nations League squad with a minor injury, returning to Southampton's Staplewood training ground for further assessment ahead of next weekend's south coast derby against Portsmouth.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper reported a tight glute and a slight strain during the international camp. As a precaution, Israel left him out of their fixture against Kosovo and he will also miss Sunday's Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland.

Peretz addressed supporters directly on Instagram. "Thanks everyone for the warm messages," he wrote. "Unfortunately, I've had to leave the national team camp early and will miss the game on Sunday. I'm going to do everything to come back as soon and as strong as possible."

Southampton's medical staff are now monitoring his condition, with the club hopeful he can recover in time for the Championship fixture against Portsmouth at St Mary's the following weekend. A south coast derby carries its own weight at any level; in the second tier, with both clubs chasing points in a competitive division, Peretz's presence between the posts matters considerably.

The former Bayern Munich goalkeeper joined Saints on a permanent basis in the summer after an initial loan spell. He has started every one of Southampton's eight Championship matches this season, as well as both of their Carabao Cup appearances, establishing himself as the clear first choice and an important figure in the squad's rebuilding effort in the second tier.

His consistency has been one of the more reliable elements of Southampton's campaign so far. Losing him for the derby would force the coaching staff to reassess their options in goal for one of the most fiercely contested fixtures on the Championship calendar.

The nature of the injury, described as minor, gives some cause for optimism. A glute strain of this kind can resolve within days given the right treatment, and Peretz returning to Staplewood immediately means Southampton's medical team have the time and the environment to work with him through the international window before the league schedule resumes.

Whether he lines up at St Mary's next weekend will become clearer as the week progresses and the club receive the results of further testing.

Frequently asked

What injury does Daniel Peretz have?
Peretz reported a tight glute and a slight strain during the Israel international camp, which prompted him to withdraw from the squad as a precaution and return to Southampton for further testing.
Will Peretz play in the Portsmouth derby?
Southampton are hoping Peretz can recover in time for the south coast derby against Portsmouth at St Mary's next weekend, but his availability depends on the results of further medical assessment at Staplewood.
How has Daniel Peretz performed for Southampton this season?
Peretz has been ever-present in goal for Southampton this season, starting all eight of their Championship matches as well as both Carabao Cup games since joining permanently from Bayern Munich in the summer.