Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed that Lee Cattermole (back injury and illness), Phil Bardsley (hamstring) and Michael Turner (knee) could resume training over the weekend and be fit to take on the Potters.
Kieran Richardson (calf) is unlikely to be available, while Anton Ferdinand (ankle) has yet to return to training, but John Mensah and Boudewijn Zenden have suffered no reaction following their respective returns.
Kick-off on Wearside is at 8pm.
Black Cats (from): Gordon, Fulop, Bardsley, Turner, Da Silva, Mensah, Cana, Cattermole, Malbranque, Henderson, Reid, Zenden, Campbell, Bent, Jones, Healy, Murphy, Meyler, Liddle.
