Everton manager Ronald Koeman has claimed that keeping Ross Barkley on the bench could have given the midfielder a "wake-up call".
The 22-year-old, who has failed to make the last two England squads, was an unused substitute during last weekend's 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Koeman has explained why he opted against giving Barkley a starting spot, but gave no indication as to whether the midfielder will feature in Saturday's match against Burnley.
"Barkley is young? He's not. He's played four years in the first team, he's not a talent anymore," Koeman said in a press conference.
"You need to show you can improve and I have the belief in that player. But if I'm not totally happy or it is a tactical question, then he doesn't start. Maybe it's a good wake-up call for him."
Everton are currently sixth in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Manchester City after eight games.
