Manager Keith Hill believes the international break “has come at the right time” for his squad of players.
Dale’s League One fixture against MK Dons has had to be rearranged due to Saturday's opponents having three players called up for international duty.
Speaking after Tuesday night’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Walsall, Hill told Dale Player that it’s a great opportunity for the players to have a well-earned rest.
“It has come at the right time. It gives us the chance to restock our energies,” said Hill.
“The players deserve a rest, and it is a rest. It’s not time off, it’s rest and recovery.
“The players will be responsible and I trust them to re-energise themselves for the Gillingham game and thereafter.
“I think it’s brilliant that we’ve got a window of opportunity to utilise because I might have been tempted to utilise the squad because looking at it, it looks as though it might be catching up with one or two of the
players, so it’s a great opportunity to get that rest.”