Andy Carroll will be available to Newcastle United when they re-emerge from the Premier League’s enforced break caused by the virus pandemic.
The former Liverpool centre-forward had actually returned to first team training after hamstring and hip problems and had been involved with the main senior group at Benton.
However, his hopes of a dramatic comeback as a substitute against Manchester City in the FA Cup have been dented by the coronavirus outbreak.
If the Premier League’s recovery plan goes smoothly, Carroll should be ready to be involved against Tottenham Hotspur for what would be the first match back on May 2.
Bruce told the Chronicle: “Andy Carroll had been back on the training field.
“We had him joining in for the last couple of days (in build-up to Sheff United game).
“So he is in and around it again.”
Carroll needs games in order to trigger an extension on his contract after signing a “pay as you play” deal back in August.
Whether the delayed fixture list will benefit Slovakia international goalkeeper Martin Dubravka or Republic of Ireland international Ciaran Clark remains to be seen with games potentially going on until June.
However, it will come of no consolation to Paul Dummett - currently sidelined with a tendon injury - as the former Wales defender is not registered to play in the second half of the season.
Bruce added: “We were devastated about Martin Dubravka and Ciaran Clark.
“The rest were OK.
“Paul Dummett has been recovering well.
“When you look at it and analyse it, the injuries have been a big problem.”
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