Originally told he would face three weeks on the sidelines at a minimum, Berlanga was given right up until an hour before the game to prove his fitness and then turned in a top quality performance despite a 2-0 loss.
Berlanga says Bilen should be given every chance to recover ahead of Auckland City FC's biggest game of the year to date.
"Mario is an important player for the team because he's experienced, has played in Europe and been part of our club for five years now.
"It's very important we give Mario every chance to play. I had a similar injury myself and was told I would be out for three, maybe four, weeks.
"Sometimes medical staff want to be very protective of you and not provide false hope. They want you to wait and be patient so you can come back strongly.
"It can be difficult but sometimes you can comeback a bit quicker than predicted.
"But its important to take a balanced approach and Mario has our support whatever the outcome," Berlanga said.
Bilen is a popular figure among the Navy Blues squad and has become a fully fledged local player, contributing a lot both on and off the pitch.
Berlanga says that quality underlines his value to the group.
"Mario is a very smart footballer and reads the game well so he is always in a good position and he's strong in the air and is the complete player.
"Mario has a dry sense of humour and is a good guy to have around - he's someone you can trust.
"Everyone asks him how he is feeling and is giving him encouragement. He knows he has our support and we'll see what happens," he said.
Bilen has helped guide the club to four OFC Champions League titles, two Stirling Sports Premiership titles, two Charity Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup bronze medal and an OFC President's Cup winners medal back in 2014.
Auckland City FC faces Kashima Antlers in the FIFA Club World Cup playoff on December 8 at Yokohama International Stadium.
