AC Milan coach Leonardo is a happy man knowing that the international break will give his side vital recovery time.

Next week's break in action will enable his charges to get some rest from both Serie A and Champions League action - something the Brazilian believes is essential if they are to perform at the highest level.

The recent fixture list has seen Milan playing almost every three days, but with the international break it could be fifteen days before some of his squad play again.

Speaking to Milan Channel the coach said "We need the break after many games. The previous one was very important.

"You cannot play every three days for an entire year. There are the national team players who will leave and I hope that they will play just one game because they are tired.

"The break will still be useful to recover everyone. Unfortunately [Gennaro] Gattuso hurt himself, it's a pity because he was returning, but during Wednesday's training he felt a pain and now he must stop again. With the rest he will recover and work for 15 or 20 days."

Milan certainly benefited from the previous international break which came just at the right time, after they had endured a terrible start to their Serie A campaign. Since then they have improved considerably and now occupy fourth position on the ladder.