Reports in Ben Arfa's native France last week suggested the Newcastle United attacker - on a season-long loan at the KC Stadium - had returned to Paris to work with a fitness coach.
Mounting rumours have claimed Bruce will look to send Ben Arfa back to Newcastle when the transfer window reopens next month.
The troubled striker has failed to score in nine Hull appearances, and has not featured in a matchday squad since his horror show last month's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.
Having also fallen foul of Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, Ben Arfa is widely expected to leave St James' Park when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Steve Bruce: "I don't know if Hatem is in Paris, that's the truth.
"As for not playing for Hull City again – at the moment he's not in the squad.
"The transfer window opens in January, so there's still conversations to be had with him.
"But at the moment he's not in the squad and he hasn't earned the right to be in the squad."
What we hear is not necessarily what we believe.
According to the Chronicle it claimes that there is interest from clubs in Germany, Spain, France and Brazil.
Do you believe that?
There is a clause in his loan contract that Newcastle can recall him, which is very unlikely to happen, but Hull claim they can send him back!
Which looks most likely.