SAINTS forward Sekou Mara could be hit with a three-match suspension for violent conduct, it has been revealed. 

The Frenchman was the instigator of an unpunished off-the-ball incident with Ryan Porteous during Saturday's 3-2 win over Watford. 

Mara, 21, could be adjudged to have struck the Hornets goalscorer in the closing stages of the dramatic match at St Mary's.

It would mean Mara misses the fixtures versus Preston North End, Cardiff City and promotion rivals Leicester City while serving the ban. 

Speaking to the Daily Echo, manager Russell Martin said: "We will maybe be without Sekou.

"Maybe he gets suspended for three games. We're waiting to find out about his off-the-ball incident with Ryan Porteous.

"I think Sekou might be the only one that misses out and we are likely to find out before we play Preston." 

If hit with a ban by Tuesday, Mara would return to Russell Martin's squad to face Stoke City at St Mary's on Saturday, April 27. 

Youngster Mara signed for Saints from financially stricken French outfit Bordeaux for around £10million in July 2022.

Mara has made 32 appearances this season, mostly from the bench, and scored six goals. Three of those strikes came in the EFL Cup.