Callum Wilson could be back in action after Newcastle United's clash at Brighton & Hove Albion - clearing him the last nine games of the season.
Wilson has responded well to treatment on a hamstring injury suffered in the 3-2 win over Southampton at St James' Park.
The striker has 10 goals to his name so far this season and has proved a big hit since signing for £20million from AFC Bournemouth last summer.
Wilson will miss this weekend's clash with Wolves, next week's trip to West Brom and crunch games at home to Villa before the encounter at the Amex Stadium on the South Coast.
But, with the international break coming up after the battle against Brighton, Wilson could then be back for the home game with Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park.
Bruce said: "We hope so. we cannot put a specific date on it, because it's a muscle injury.
"We have to be really careful."
Bruce is at least grateful to have Allan Saint-Maximin fit and firing again after his goal at Man United last weekend.
Bruce said: "After being without him for three months in that crucial period - it is good to see him back. Just as we got him back we lost Callum Wilson to injury so it's been cruel to us at times.
"If Allan stays fit we know we're a different proposition."
