Radamel Falcao: John Terry backs striker to fill Diego Costa's boots while Brazilian is out injured

Falcao has joined on season-long loan from Monaco

Radamel Falcao (right) challenges for the ball on his Chelsea debut last week (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea captain John Terry has backed Radamel Falcao to be a worthy replacement for Diego Costa should the Spain striker continue to struggle with hamstring injuries this season.

Costa was assessed by Chelsea’s medical department yesterday after limping off in the final game of Chelsea’s tour of North America on Tuesday night against Barcelona.

The 26-year-old is already a doubt for the Community Shield against Arsenal, as well as the opening League game with Swansea on August 8th.

Despite ending the campaign as the club’s top scorer with 21 goals, Costa was restricted to just 24 starts in the top flight last term due to an ongoing hamstring problem.

Falcao was signed by manager Jose Mourinho to replace Didier Drogba as his back-up this summer even though he scored just four times while on loan from Monaco at Manchester United last season.

But Terry claims the Colombia international played just as well as Tottenham’s Harry Kane, who scored a total of 31 goals, did against Chelsea last season and feels he will do a better job at Stamford Bridge.

The former England international helped secure the signing after telling Mourinho about the tough game he gave him while in a Manchester United shirt back in April at Stamford Bridge.

Terry said: “I honestly think Falcao is going to be a top, top player. When we played him at the Bridge in April, after about 10 minutes, I said to Gary Cahill, ‘We’ve got to be on it today - he’s right up for it’.

“He was hungry, he was sharp and he has been showing that in training since he has joined us.

“For me, him and Harry Kane were the best players I came up against last season.

Literally after two minutes of that game, he was backing in, showing the movement as well.

“We had a little tussle on the floor 10 to 15 minutes later. He was up for it. He was hungry and his movement and first touch were excellent.

“We are delighted to have him here because he’s a top, top player.”