FORMER Saints goalkeeper Mouez Hassen has apparently been helping his Tunisia team-mates fight fatigue from fasting during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.

Hassen, who Claude Puel brought to St Mary’s in five-month loan deal in January 2017, appeared to fake injury at sundown, when the fast finishes, in friendlies against Portugal and Turkey.

As the 23-year-old received treatment, his Tunisia colleagues headed to the touchline to revitalise, drinking water and eating dates.

The trick worked, too, with Tunisia, who face in England in Group G at the World Cup in Russia this month, scoring an equaliser to draw 2-2 against Euro 2016 champions Portugal.

Hassen halted play by laying on his back in another 2-2 draw against Turkey.

Hassen spent half a season on loan at Saints from French side Nice in 2016/17, mainly appearing for the club’s under-23s and sitting on the first-team bench in 13 games.

The timing of his injuries came under the microscope from observers, having gone down in the 58th and 49th minutes in each of the games.

This all took place at nightfall, when the fast ends. This is called Iftar.

By the time Tunisia take on England on June 18, Ramadan will be over.

However, there will be curiosity over what happens when they take on Spain this Saturday.

Hassen nor the Tunisian Football Federation have commented.