Callum Wilson is in line to start Newcastle United's home clash with Arsenal.
The Magpies' 10-goal top scorer has been restricted to cameo roles from the bench since shaking off a hamstring injury.
But Bruce admits Wilson - who had a debatable equaliser chalked off against Liverpool - is in a good place ahead of the weekend.
Speaking at his Press conference, Bruce said: "Yeah, I think the time is right.
"We’ve been patient with him, but last week, when he burst through, was him being free (from
"Certainly, last week I saw him up to top speed."
Bruce also dropped a hint that Fabian Schar could be ready to play his first Premier League minutes since February.
The Switzerland international got 45 minutes in the tank against Crystal Palace in the reserves this week and is eager to be involved for the first time since injuring his knee against Southampton in the 3-2 win.
He said: "It was always part of his rehabilitation [to play for the U23s].
"Fab wants to be involved straight away and he might make the squad but we have to be careful because he's been out for nearly 11 weeks.
"He's trained well and he's there or thereabouts."
