Destructive Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman has suffered a setback in his recovery from a broken ankle and will miss Queensland's Super 14 grudge match with the Western Force.

McMeniman aimed to make his comeback against the Force next Friday at Suncorp Stadium but fluid on his calf has delayed his return.

The Reds have sorely missed the World Cup tourist since the 24-year-old was injured early in their second round loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington.

In a frustrating blow to the injury-plagued McMeniman, he is also no certainty to return the following week against the Chiefs in Hamilton after suffering the setback following a return to training.

"It's just a result of activity after inactivity so he just needs a bit more work in his legs," said coach Phil Mooney.

"Until he starts training with the main group we're not going to know (when he'll be right to play) but the goal is for the Chiefs."

Due to his history, the Reds won't take the risk of rushing 200cm McMeniman back and will play him off the bench initially to pick up the speed of the game.

But his delayed return has put off a selection dilemma with former skipper John Roe looming as the man most likely to make way for the lock turned flanker.

Fellow veteran flanker David Croft has returned to form since he was dropped for the 40-8 upset of the Bulls in their last home match before an unsuccessful three-match tour of South Africa.

Former Wallabies tourist Leroy Houston has improved with every outing in his return to the game and was one of the most consistent in the Republic, continually producing Toutai Kefu-like charges over the gain line from No.8.

"That's pleasing but not unexpected because he spent a bit of time out of the game and we always knew the more rugby he played the better he would get," Mooney said

"We're probably just scratching the surface of what he's capable of."

With skipper Sam Cordingley (calf) and vice-captain Chris Latham (knee) sidelined, and hooker Stephen Moore announcing he was leaving the Reds after the season, the Reds must name a new captain on Monday.

Croft is understood to be the front-runner for the job but Roe and abrasive lock James Horwill may also be in the mix.

"I don't think anyone wants to do it now, I might just toss the coin and run out together like the AFL," Mooney quipped.

The Reds expect Clinton Schifcofske, who will take Latham's place at fullback, to make a decision on his future next month.

The former Queensland Origin and Canberra Raiders goalkicker could switch back to league in Europe or play rugby in Japan.

The match against the Force will precede likely negotiations with former Queensland forwards David Pocock and Tom Hockings who have been major contributors to the Perth franchise's success.

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