English side Sunderland have shown utmost magnanimity towards Ghana by insisting that they are protecting injury-prone John Mensah to ensure he plays for his country at the World Cup in June.
With the Black Cats figthing to avoid relegation, it was thought they will put the fragile but influential player at risk by throwing at the deep end of every game.
But Sunderland have been overly careful about how they use Mensah whose hamstring problems have affected his season even though his performance is outstanding.
The Ghana international did not re-appear after the break against Burnley at the weekend with his side leading 2-0.
This sparked fears that Mensah might have aggravated his injury but Sunderland said the decision was a precautionary measure.
Many European clubs would have used the important player regardless of the fact that he could suffer a serious injury that will rule him out of the World Cup to play for Ghana.
However, Bruce revealed he withdrew his injury-plagued loan signing from Lyon to protect him for the remaining weeks of the season and this summer's World Cup finals and expects him to be available at the KC Stadium this Saturday.
Bruce said: "John is okay, he will be fit for next week. That was the calculated gamble, to be 2-0 up and say, 'Okay, it's job done'.
"Also, we have to look after John, first and foremost to get him through the next three games, but he has got a huge World Cup coming up.
"He will be okay for next week, hopefully - unless he falls off his bike."
Sunderland's generosity of spirit will positively surprise Ghanaians they could even lose the on loan player if he excels at the World Cup.
Mensah should be fit for Sunderland's trip to Hull City after being taken off as a precaution against Burnley.
Chelsea also showed similar positive spirit towards Ghana in January when they made sure Essien was treated in January and even though he didn't play for them they allowed him to travel to Angola for the Africa Cup of Nations.
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