Western Force coach Dave Wessels has allayed fears Ben McCalman’s career could be over, saying the skipper is still on track to play again.

McCalman, who has suffered numerous fractures to his right scapula over the past year, was hoping to return for Friday night’s clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Perth.

But Wessels says a specialist has advised the Force to give McCalman another five weeks rest, before unleashing him in the National Rugby Championship.