The 29-year-old joined Sunderland from Wigan last month, but has been struggling with a stress fracture to his ankle since the start of May.
“I got a good 60 minutes on Saturday and the ankle felt fine, which is the main thing,” Bramble told Sunderland’s official website.
“Now it’s just a case of getting games and building my fitness up.
“The atmosphere around the place is great. I’m just delighted to be here and everyone is buzzing and looking forward to the start of the season.
“As soon as they come back for pre-season every player just wants the league to start and I’m no different.”
