Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles will miss their game against Burnley on Sunday and possibly further matches too because of a suspected stress fracture in his foot.
With Fabian Schar also out, Bruce said it leaves his side "a bit light".
Top scorer Callum Wilson is available for the first time since February.
The striker, who has scored 10 goals this season, has missed the past seven games, none of which Newcastle have won, because of a hamstring injury.
Fellow forward Allan Saint-Maximin, who also suffered the effects of long-term coronavirus, came on as a substitute during the trip to Spurs after returning from a groin injury and Bruce said it is "good news" both his strikers will be available.