Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta will be required to don a protective face mask over the coming weeks after being diagnosed with a double fracture of the cheekbone.

The 26-year-old Spaniard sustained the injury in the Blues' 3-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend.

Azpilicueta was accidentally kicked in the face by Eagles forward Fraizer Campbell just four minutes into the contest, but managed to see out the remainder of the fixture.

Azpilicueta's Chelsea teammates Nemanja Matic and Gary Cahill have both been required to wear a protective face mask this season, while Cesc Fabregas also wore one last season, meaning the full-back will join an increasing list of Stamford Bridge mask-wearers.