Derby County captain Richard Keogh “feels responsible” for the crash that resulted in two of his team-mates being arrested, says boss Phillip Cocu.
Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett have been charged with drink-driving following the accident on Tuesday.
The crash followed a team-building dinner, with Derby saying there will be a “rigorous internal investigation”.
Keogh suffered a serious knee injury in an “alcohol-related incident” and will miss the rest of the season.
“It’s having a huge effect on him personally,” Cocu told BBC Radio Derby. “He’s extremely down of course because he realises what’s going on for him.
“I think he feels responsible, yes. More senior players always have to step up and take responsibility.”
In a statement earlier on Thursday the club said Republic of Ireland centre-back Keogh, 33, was part of a “small group” that “continued drinking into the night” after the meal.
In his subsequent press conference, former Netherlands and Barcelona midfielder Cocu confirmed Tom Huddlestone, 32, will take over captaincy duties for the rest of the Championship season.
“It’s an early stage to say but if we say he’ll be out for the rest of the season, it’s a very serious injury,” added Cocu.
“It’s a big deal losing an important player in Richard – we have to deal with it together.
“Individual mistakes have been made and as we communicated there will be consequences – we have serious matters to deal with and disciplinary actions will be taken.”
