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Marco Silva says he rested Richarlison for the game with Burnley because he is “not a machine”.

The Brazilian had started all but two league games this season and only missed matches with Huddersfield and West Ham due to a suspension.

Richarlison played against Spurs at Goodison on Sunday despite suffering with illness in the build-up and Silva took the decision to name him on the bench at Turf Moor.

The 21-year-old was introduced with just over 20 minutes left and put the seal on an emphatic win over Burnley by scoring Everton's fifth in time added on.

(Image: Dave Thompson/PA Wire)

“Like you know, it is a busy December,” Silva said.

“They are humans, they are not machines. It is hard for them to play all the matches and a game every three days.

“We have to manage their physical condition and Richarlison has been playing almost every minute of every game and we have different solutions so we can manage this situation.

(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“I know how important he is for us but the others are working hard as well.

“He had a difficult week last week, he was sick and then played a difficult game against Tottenham and it wasn't his best performance and we had some problems. I am here to manage his physical condition.”

Idrissa Gueye also came off the bench after shaking off the groin injury which kept him out of games with Man City and Spurs.

But the game was too soon for Ademola Lookman who remains sidelined and with Silva unable to put an exact timescale on his return.

“He wasn't able to play,” the Everton manager said.

“Let's see in the next few days. He hasn't started training with the team yet. It is possible for the next match but it won't be easy but let's see about the other one.”

(Image: Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images)

Cenk Tosun, meanwhile, was left out of the squad for the game with Burnley because of a “technical decision”.

Everton return to action when they travel to Brighton on December 29.