Then, an ankle injury picked-up while training a day before the home game with Chelsea on February 8th saw the midfielder travel to France where the injury was diagnosed as not serious and he was expected to return to action within three weeks.
However, after a further spell in France, Cisse's injury shows no signs of improvement and is beginning to cause concern to Bruce.
“It’s a major concern, we’re extremely worried,” Bruce told the Evening Mail.
“Aliou has been out a long, long time but doesn’t seem to be getting any better, we can’t seem to get him fit,” he added.