Although Bramble has not played in the Latics last nine games, Bruce claims he will keep him at the JJB Stadium.
But Ipswich, who tried to sign him when he was released by Newcastle, could rescue his faltering career.
Bruce: "He still has a part to play.
"He picked up a groin injury before the Portsmouth game, which was unfortunate for him. He has trained for the last five days and of course there is a future for Titus.
"I just felt at the time he needed to come away from it and refocus. The hardest job here is keeping those players not in the team happy. I think they are intelligent enough to realise we have to have a squad if we are to be successful.
"In the past, players were constantly knocking on the door. If the club wants to go where it wants, it has to have a squad, especially with the transfer window being the way it is.
"Titus Bramble is one of four centre-backs I have and he is champing at the bit to get a game."