Newcastle United are assessing the damage on Yoshinori Muto after he limped out of the FA Cup third-round clash at Rochdale with a hip injury.
Muto had held the ball up well in the first half, and did OK against Leicester City before defensive mistakes cost Newcastle the game on New Year's Day.
When asked about Muto, who was forced off along with Miguel Almiron at Rochdale, Bruce said: "Muto has a hip problem. Almiron has a groin.
"Muto, the pain he is in, seems like the worst but Almiron , we will see where we stand."
Bruce had respect for Rochdale's efforts after the draw at Spotland.
When asked by local reporters who cover Dale, Bruce said: "Aaron Wilbraham seems to have been around a long time.
"I'm not sure if I played against him!
"He was fantastic. It just shows what you can do at 40.
"He led the line well, that's why he is still playing because he has that ability."
Bruce was also asked about Luke Matheson after the 17-year-old came off the bench to change the gaame.
Bruce said: "They have a young kid who set the goal up nicely. I will have a look at that."
The Magpies have been linked with the Rochdale teenager throughout his rise to the first team as a schoolboy.
