Jimmy McNulty says his squad must try to regroup and rest, with a fortnight’s break from action.
Following Saturday’s win at Hartlepool United, Dale do not have a match until the 11th November, when we travel to Wealdstone.
The Head Coach says the break gives his players time to rest, but also an opportunity to get the injured players closer to a return.
“It's a very welcome break,” said McNulty.
“I saw Mikel Arteta [Arsenal manager] was talking recently about it’s inevitable they’ll have to increase their squad size and allowed more subs, because of how many games they’ve got. I think they’ve played nine games – we’ve played 18 [league], with a tiny squad.
“We’re very light on depth per position and we’ve had to be creative with playing players in different positions. Jimmy Keohane again today, rotating and ends up as a nine getting on to Kairo’s [Mitchell] flick on.
“We have to do these things, but they won’t always work out. Sometimes we need a squad that’s equipped enough to cope with all that demand that they’re put under.
“The boys have played loads of games already. They’ve been a credit to the club and it’s a welcome break. Some time to hopefully get our injured players nearer to coming back and time to regroup and rest.”
There was better news for Devante Rodney this week, who appeared as a late substitute in Saturday’s win.
The striker has been missing for almost all of the campaign due to illness, but is now on a new programme that brings more of a positive sign.
“He was with us today, but I’m trying not to get our hopes up. We’ve got to see how the next two weeks go with Dev.
“He saw another specialist in London, we went another way with it, and the new specialist gave us some hope. Dev is on a new programme now with some things that can help him.
“Dev wanted to help the team today and he did, even though he was only on two minutes, but his block in front of the dugout meant the whole team could move forward 40 meters. He then almost closed the goalkeeper down and stole it off him.
“I’ve just got to stay clam about the potential of having Dev with us for the next two weeks, watch this space, and hope that he reacts to the new things he’s doing in the right way, so that he can be out there helping his teammates because he desperately wants to.”
Watch the full interview with McNulty below via our official YouTube channel.