Central defender John Mensah, who is due to head off to the African Nations Cup with Ghana after the game at Ewood Park, limped out of Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Everton after damaging his hamstring.
With Michael Turner serving the second instalment of his four-match ban and Anton Ferdinand (ankle) still sidelined, Bruce has big decisions to make at the heart of his defence.
Midfielder Lee Cattermole missed the Everton game after tweaking his hamstring in training on Christmas Day and remains a doubt, while Kieran Richardson was also unavailable with a calf injury.
Striker Kenwyne Jones ended Ssaturday's game with a calf problem, and will be assessed, while keeper Craig Gordon (broken arm) remains on the sidelines.
Black Cats (from): Fulop, Carson, Bardsley, Richardson, McCartney, Da Silva, Nosworthy, Cana, Cattermole, Reid, Malbranque, Henderson, Zenden, Campbell, Jones, Bent, Healy, Murphy, Meyler, Reed, Noble.
