Chris Powell vows to step into breach again for Leicester City
The 40-year-old player-coach made his first Championship start of the season at Barnsley on Tuesday night.
Regular left-back Berner was still absent with a calf problem and his deputy, Ryan McGivern, had been struggling for form.
Berner has returned to training and has targeted a return against at home to the Magpies this weekend, but Powell said he was ready to step into the breach again if called upon.
Powell also backed McGivern to come through his recent difficult period as a better player.
"Bruno is the main left-back and he's not far off," said Powell, who had to endure a lengthy ice bath after the Barnsley defeat.
"He's just started training again and, if it goes well for him, he could be in contention for Saturday but it may be too close.
"Ryan will benefit from the breather and looking at what he can do to improve, and see how he can become a better player. This will help him.
"Young Ryan is going to be a good, young player but the Championship is tough when you are playing week in, week out and sometimes you just need a breather."
Powell has played more than 750 professional games and he said it was up to the experienced members of the squad to ensure their younger team-mates stay positive during a difficult time in the season.
The 1-0 defeat at Barnsley was City's third consecutive loss in 11 days and Powell said the older players must now lead by example against Newcastle in front of a huge crowd and a live television audience.
City have announced that 27,000 tickets have already been sold for the visit of the Magpies.
"We need to arrest the slide and get out of this rut, and there is no better game to do that than at home to Newcastle in front of our own fans," said Powell.
"We have to make sure we do the things we are good at. Lots of things come into play when you are struggling and it needs myself – whether I'm playing or not – and the other senior boys to rally round and lead the way.
"We have to be positive in our outlook because it can be hard, particularly for the young lads who are thinking 'where are the results going to come from'. We have to keep the belief in what we are doing and, hopefully, the supporters will back us."
New signing Nolberto Solano could make his debut against his former club on Saturday as City are hopeful they will receive international clearance in time. The hold-up has been caused by delays at the Peruvian FA but, when he is cleared to play, Powell believes the 35-year-old will make a valuable contribution.
"He is a person who uses the ball well," said Powell.
"He has quality and, if we get him fit and in the team, he will be an asset for us as the players have not shown the quality they have in the past three games."
Chris Powell
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