Ryan Fraser's season with Newcastle United could be as good as over.
The Scotland international, who has not appeared since scoring twice for his country in World Cup qualifying in March, has gone under the knife to solve a groin problem.
Fraser has yet to find his best form since arriving on a high-profile free transfer move to Tyneside last summer.
Having left AFC Bournemouth, Fraser had vowed to show the type of form that would have kept the Cherries up had he not left the South Coast club during the pandemic.
Bruce, speaking at his Press conference, said: "Ryan Fraser has had an operation."
Fraser's absence will see him out for up to three weeks meaning it is touch and go on whether he will feature again this term with the last game coming against Fulham on May 23 at Craven Cottage.
Meanwhile, Bruce is also not confident of seeing Jamaal Lascelles again this term.
On Lascelles, who has a foot injury, Bruce said: "It is a big doubt. As we speak he is still in a boot at the moment.
"I have gone on record saying when we get our big players and we are fully rid of Covid we'd be OK. Covid dismantled us."