PHOTOS: Diego Costa and the mask mania at Chelsea

Contentious Chelsea forward Diego Costa donned a protective mask for Saturday's comprehensive drubbing of Newcastle after breaking his nose in midweek training.

The Brazilian-born Spanish international became the latest in a long line of Blues to sport a mask in a competitive match.

Here's a look at Chelsea players past and present who have opted to protect their visages, both stately and grotesque:

Fernando Torres

Following a decorated spell at Liverpool, Spanish international Fernando Torres made the pilgrimage south to London, only to become a shadow of himself at Stamford Bridge - prompting his decision to hide his handsome visage behind a gaudy mask.

Gary Cahill

England international Gary Cahill, seen here looking for a twenty pence coin he dropped on the pitch, sported a protective mask during parts of the 2015-16 campaign. When asked why, Cahill said "Oi, everybody's doin' it."

Demba Ba

With a desire to not wear somebody else's mask, former Blues striker Demba Ba opted to adorn his protective wear with both his squad number and his monosyllabic surname.

Nemanja Matic

Towering over most, angular Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic bumped his head on a London crane, spurring the decision to protect the resulting double facial fracture with a mask displaying the names of his two children - one of whom is named after England's favourite drink.

Cesc Fabregas

Hoping to remain anonymous whilst traversing the streets of London in fear of recognition from hated Arsenal supporters, playmaker Cesc Fabregas chose to masquerade as a footballer during a poor spell at Stamford Bridge.

John Terry

Resembling the pensioner at the 'Y' with rec-specs and a wanton disregard for his own safety, Blues legend John Terry opted for a transparent look after fracturing his orbital bone.

Ramires

With masks becoming all the rage at Stamford Bridge, Ramires opted for one after Galatasaray's Burak Yilmaz complied with the Brazilian international's demands and kicked him in the face during a Champions League match in 2014.

Petr Cech

Half-man, half-protective wear, former Chelsea and current Arsenal shot-stopper Petr Cech has a penchant for keeping clean sheets and last-minute Halloween ideas.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Full-back Cesar Azpilicueta joined Costa and wore a mask during Saturday's 5-1 drubbing of Newcastle.

Paulo Ferreira

Basking in the shadows of the Paris Opera while searching for his lifelong love, Paulo "The Phantom" Ferreira, kidnaps chanteuse Christina and harbours her in his cellar dwelling.