Rafael Benitez has defended his decision to substitute Richarlison early in the second half of Everton's defeat to Crystal Palace.

Despite the fact that the Toffees were 1-0 down at the time, the Brazilian international was taken off in the 58th minute, which was met with a chorus of boos from the fans.

The 24-year-old has featured 11 times in the Premier League this season, scoring three goals which included one during the recent 2-1 victory against Arsenal.

While the forward did not seem visibly pleased himself, it has been revealed that it was an injury that forced him to come off.

"Richarlison has a problem in his calf, we knew that at half time, we were thinking about changing him but we did not do it as we gave him five minutes to see how he was," Benitez revealed to Sky Sports News.

"We did not want him to get injured with so many games and he was not affecting the game, so you make the substitution as you know what is going on. But you cannot explain that all the time.

"I am disappointed that the people do not realise that you make the substitutions and they go well. He said at half time, 'give me five minutes and we will see how I am getting on'. I cannot explain that to every fan what is going on."

Everton went on to lose the match against the Eagles 3-1, with the Toffees currently sat 14th in the Premier League table.