Sports

How the Cubs will handle Dansby Swanson’s absence as he could miss a month

Published

44 seconds ago

August 18, 2026

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs placed shortstop Dansby Swanson on the injured list before Monday’s game with a strained left oblique. Manager Craig Counsell said that Swanson, who had an MRI Monday morning, would “probably” miss four weeks.

“Dansby’s ready to attack the injury and do whatever he can to make this go as quick as possible,” Counsell said a day after Swanson exited Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals with the injury.

While this isn’t a worst-case scenario, Counsell wasn’t ready to spin it in too positive a light.

“I don’t know if there’s any silver linings to this,” Counsell said, “but we’ll get Dansby back this year.”

In Swanson’s absence, Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner will shift to shortstop while rookie Pedro Ramírez is expected to get the everyday reps at second.

“You’re going to see that a lot,” Counsell said. “Matt Shaw is nearing rehab. If he has a good day (Monday), he’ll play on Wednesday in Iowa. He’s going to beat Dansby back, assuming everything goes well. So that’s the next thing happening.”

Swanson is the backbone of the Cubs’ elite infield defense. By every advanced metric, the Cubs have lapped the league defensively. Losing him isn’t easy to overcome. But the team’s depth is a strength this year, and it does have the personnel to avoid a major defensive drop-off in Swanson’s absence.

Dansby Swanson #7 and Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs exit the field at the end of the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field on July 19, 2026 in Chicago

Dansby Swanson, left, and Nico Hoerner have been anchors for the best defense in baseball. (Michael Hirschuber / Getty Images)

Hoerner has two Gold Gloves at second base but has just 203 innings at shortstop over the last three seasons. However, in 2022, the season before Swanson arrived in Chicago, Hoerner manned shortstop on a daily basis. In that season, he showed he was more than capable of handling the position regularly. He finished the year second to Swanson among shortstops in Outs Above Average and fourth in Fielding Run Value.

“Nico’s put up a great shortstop season,” Counsell said. “That’s another thing that makes you feel really good about it. He has not played a lot of games there the last three years. That’s the only thing that’s different about playing shortstop for him.”

Counsell explained that the lack of reps means there are just some things that Hoerner won’t be as used to doing as he is at second.

“Nico can pick up a groundball as good as anybody,” Counsell said. “But there’s still some plays that you get to the edgier range, some tricky hops and balls he has to come into, that he hasn’t made frequently because he hasn’t played there.”

Hoerner will also have to develop a rapport with Ramírez as his new double-play partner. The latter has quickly earned playing time in his first year in the big leagues. A minor-league Gold Glove winner at third base last season, Ramírez has ample experience at second as well. He’s shown that the Cubs don’t lose much defensively when he’s on the field and has earned regular at-bats while posting a 119 wRC+ in 140 plate appearances.

“Pedro’s a good player, bottom line,” Counsell said. “I told you out of spring training, if Pedro has to come and play every day in April, I’m good with it. This is after (140) major-league at-bats where he’s really performed. He’s more than ready for this.”

Shaw has been on the IL since late June with a nagging wrist issue. His time on the shelf has lasted much longer than originally expected, but Shaw recently crossed some major hurdles and is close to a rehab assignment. He’s also a plus defender at multiple positions and was a Gold Glove finalist last season after playing third base regularly for the first time in his career. Shaw was drafted as a shortstop out of Maryland in 2023, has played all over the infield in the minors and quickly took to right field this season after Alex Bregman was signed in the winter, taking Shaw’s spot at third.

Still, Swanson’s absence can’t be ignored. He’s as consistent as they come at shortstop. By OAA, he entered play Monday as the second-best defender at the position behind Bobby Witt Jr. His brilliant defense was key for the Cubs last fall during their series win over the San Diego Padres in the wild-card round.

The Cubs are likely deep enough to weather this storm in the short term. But they have to cross their fingers and hope Swanson’s rehab goes smoothly. Oblique injuries are notoriously fickle, and Counsell was clear that four weeks was their best guess for now. The Cubs are lucky to have depth, but they certainly want to be at full strength come October. Getting Swanson back before the end of the season and prepared for the playoffs will be essential for a team so reliant on its defense.

Sports

Premier League fixtures on Sky Sports: Liverpool vs Man City and Arsenal plus Leeds vs Man Utd live in October and November | Football News

Published

7 minutes ago

August 18, 2026

qasimgillani

Liverpool’s home matches against Manchester City and Arsenal, plus Manchester United’s trip to rivals Leeds, are among the 21 Premier League games being shown live on Sky Sports in October and November.

Liverpool welcome Manchester City on Sunday October 11, with kick-off at 4.30pm, and then host another blockbuster Super Sunday on November 1 against champions Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side will also be under the spotlight when they head to Nottingham Forest on Sunday October 18.

Manchester United host Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham on Saturday October 10 before their televised trip to Leeds on Sunday October 18 and the visit of Bournemouth on Sunday October 25.

Elsewhere, Tottenham visit Chelsea in a Saturday Night Football London derby on October 24, after hosting newly promoted Coventry six days earlier on Monday Night Football on October 19. Tottenham also face Crystal Palace at home on October 31, while Palace will resume their rivalry with Brighton on October 18.

Premier League fixtures live on Sky Sports

Saturday October 10

Man Utd vs Tottenham – kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Sunday October 11

Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Hull vs Everton – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Liverpool vs Manchester City – kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Monday October 12

Coventry vs Newcastle – kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports

Saturday October 17

Newcastle vs Aston Villa – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Sunday October 18

Bournemouth vs Sunderland – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Brighton vs Crystal Palace – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Leeds vs Man Utd – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Monday October 19

Tottenham vs Coventry – kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports

Friday October 23

Ipswich vs Nottingham Forest – kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports

Saturday October 24

Chelsea vs Tottenham – kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Sunday October 25

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Hull vs Brentford – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Man Utd vs Bournemouth – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Sunderland vs Leeds – kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Saturday 31 October

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace – kick-off 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Sunday November 1

Aston Villa vs Fulham – kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Liverpool vs Arsenal – kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Monday November 2

Newcastle vs Everton – kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports

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August 21: Premier League campaign starts

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August 27: Champions League league-phase draw

w/c September 7 and September 14: Carabao Cup third round as European teams enter

September 8-10: Champions League league phase starts

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January 27: Champions League league phase ends

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May 30: Premier League season ends

June 5: Champions League final, Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid

Sports

Manchester United’s pre-season analysed: Joshua Zirkzee resurgent and Marcus Rashford reunited – but they still need a left-back | Football News

Published

13 minutes ago

August 18, 2026

qasimgillani

Manchester United ended their pre-season with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, and the question is what kind of condition they are in as they go into the new season?

Ahead of a special Sky Sports Manchester United Q&A taking place on Wednesday, our reporter Danyal Khan discusses the major talking points…

Mbeumo, Amad look recharged – Zirkzee too?

The good news for Michael Carrick and United is that two players, in particular, have stood out in pre-season.

Having perhaps looked a bit tired towards the end of last season, Carrick will be purring to see Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back to their electric selves in pre-season.

Mbeumo has looked sharp in front of goal with Amad also appearing full of confidence after an impressive World Cup with Cote d’Ivoire in the summer.

One player who may have a new chapter at the club is Joshua Zirkzee. Although there is still a possibility his future could be away from Old Trafford, he’s looked like a different Zirkzee to the one we’ve seen in previous seasons.

Albeit it is pre-season, could Zirkzee provide cover for Bruno Fernandes in the No 10 position?

He was particularly impressive in Dublin against Leeds at a sold-out Croke Park, and in his third season at the club it will be intriguing to see how Carrick uses the Dutchman – if his future is at United.

Why they need a left-back

One thing that has clearly stood out in pre-season is the development of their gameplan under Carrick and his staff.

It was quite clear watching them during his six-month spell last season that the team would largely defend on the edge of their own box. They were extremely solid and compact which underpinned some huge wins.

What we’ve seen in pre-season has been a deviation – or, perhaps, progression – from that. United are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition, especially to win the ball back quickly after a loss of possession.

They were slightly found out against Milan, with the press not quite sharp enough – the fourth goal, in particular, came from just one ball over a high-lined defence.

The game (although not wanting to exaggerate due to it still being pre-season!) was the perfect illustration of why United need to invest seriously in a left-back: not just because Luke Shaw will need to be rotated with the increased number of games that comes with European competition, but also due to the way United clearly want to play going forward.

They need serious recovery pace in the back-line for the times they do occasionally get caught out with this gameplan – but time is ticking to get any deal done.

Rashford – a topic that won’t go away

Marcus Rashford has returned – and his future is a topic that will not go away until September’s deadline passes.

It seemed an unlikely reunion after his loan spell at Barcelona, but from what I’m hearing Rashford has only been positive and enthusiastic about his return to the club.

Carrick also told us last week that Rashford is his player and he is looking forward to working with the forward going into the season, but there still seems to be doubt over whether the England man will remain in a United shirt.

Right now, he is expected to do so, but much will depend on the interest Rashford generates as the deadline approaches – and also what the player believes is right for his next challenge.

It is thought he would only leave for an elite-level club, but his current contact at United may mean it proves too difficult to organise a solution away from Old Trafford.

Sports

Bruno Fernandes transfer news: Manchester United captain not for sale at any price despite Galatasaray interest | Football News

Published

20 minutes ago

August 18, 2026

qasimgillani

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is not for sale at any price despite interest from Galatasaray.

Reports have claimed the Turkish side are ready to bid for the 31-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract, but United also have an option to extend by a further year.

However, United will not entertain any offers for their talisman, who was named Premier League Player of the Year last season after breaking the competition’s assist record.

The £57m release clause for foreign clubs in his contract has now expired.

In December, Fernandes revealed he had been “hurt” when United told him last summer he was free to accept a big-money offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, who were ready to pay £100m as a transfer fee.

Despite Fernandes feeling as though the club were open to selling him last summer, the message from the hierarchy since has been clear: he is not for sale.

The ambiguity of last summer has been put to bed with United viewing Fernandes as crucial to the future of their project.

Could Man Utd really sell Fernandes?

Sky Sports’ James Savundra on The Transfer Show:

“It doesn’t seem likely in this window but go back 12 months, it felt 50:50. It felt like Manchester United would be willing to sell him if they could recoup £100m to spend on other areas.

“He spoke quite openly about the fact he spoke to the Saudi Pro League and the projects there – before deciding he wanted to commit his future to Manchester United.

“You would think the club would be working on a contract extension because he has one year left – plus that option to extend by a further year, which you’d expect them to do so, otherwise he’d be in a position in January where he could speak to foreign clubs over a free transfer.

“Last season he was just incredible with the assist record – he was the best player in the Premier League last season. He’s a massive part of Michael Carrick’s plans this season.

“There will come a time when Manchester United think about life after Bruno Fernandes but that won’t be this summer. He’s so important to their plans in Europe and the Premier League.”

Could Zirkzee act as Fernandes cover this season?

Sky Sports’ News’ Danyal Khan:

“The good news for Michael Carrick and United is that two players, in particular, have stood out in pre-season.

“Having perhaps looked a bit tired towards the end of last season, Carrick will be purring to see Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back to their electric selves in pre-season.

“Mbeumo has looked sharp in front of goal with Amad also appearing full of confidence after an impressive World Cup with Cote d’Ivoire in the summer.

“One player who may have a new chapter at the club is Joshua Zirkzee. Although there is still a possibility his future could be away from Old Trafford, he’s looked like a different Zirkzee to the one we’ve seen in previous seasons.

“Albeit it is pre-season, could Zirkzee provide cover for Fernandes in the No 10 position?

“He was particularly impressive in Dublin against Leeds at a sold-out Croke Park, and in his third season at the club it will be intriguing to see how Carrick uses the Dutchman – if his future is at United.”