Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano is confident Colombia striker Radamel Falcao will find his form for new club Chelsea, but hopefully not before tonight's crucial Copa America quarter-final tie.

Despite a dismal season on loan at Manchester United, Mascherano maintains that Falcao can put injuries and loss of form behind him to regain his fearsome reputation.

Mascherano told reporters "I have not only played against Radamel Falcao, but also in the same team as him with River Plate. I know him very well,"

"Obviously, he is a player with a very important role. He is still missing some continuity after a very serious injury. He tried his best to be able to play the World Cup, but he could not.

"After this, the most important thing is to play a lot of minutes and, for different circumstances, he could not do that at his club even though Falcao has demonstrated that he is one of the best you can find at a worldwide level.

"It is a matter of time. I have no doubt that at some point, the best Falcao will show. I hope that this won't happen [on Friday]."