Newcastle United are awaiting news from the physio room on injured trio Javier Manquillo, Callum Wilson and Fabian Schar.
Wilson will have his hamstring assessed while Manquillo is facing a lay-off after injuring his ankle ligaments and Schar has picked up a knee injury.
While losing Wilson and Schar are hammer blows for the Magpies, the loss of right-back Manquillo leaves them woefully short of cover in that position after DeAndre Yedlin's free transfer to Galatasaray last week.
It means that Sweden international Emile Krafth will get a run in the side should the worst fears unfold around Manquillo.
Bruce, speaking to BBC Sport, said: "It's hampered us all season, whether it's been illness or injuries.
"Manquillo looks like he's done his ankle ligaments.
"Fab Schar looks in a bad way with his knee.
"That could be pretty serious.
"Callum Wilson is another where we don't know how bad it is.
"The amount of games we are playing is ridiculous.
"With the amount of games that's what we are seeing."
Wilson was out for three weeks with a hamstring injury earlier in the campaign but posted on Twitter: "I will be working hard to get back on the pitch ASAP!!"
United have been aided by an eight-day gap between fixtures which will give them a chance to get over other knocks and niggles.
