Draxler to start for Germany as Loew mulls changes against Norway

Julian Draxler will start against Norway in Monday's World Cup qualifier as Germany coach Joachim Loew plans "two or three changes" from the side that beat the Czech Republic 2-1.

Loew said Sunday he would bring the Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder, who captained Germany's Confederations Cup-winning side, back into the starting line-up and was "in any case planning changes."

Draxler came on as a late substitute against the Czechs in Prague on Friday asthe world champions made it seven wins out of seven in Group C.

Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen will remain in goal, Loew said Sunday.

Loew is waiting to see whether midfielder Sami Khedira recovers from a knee injury and also left open his options in attack.

Loew has praised 21-year-old Leipzig forward Timo Werner, who scored the opening goal against the Czechs, but could bring back veteran Mario Gomez, saying the 32-year-old Wolfsburg forward "is in good shape."

Depending on results in the group, Germany could clinch qualification for the 2018 World Cup with a win over Norway.