"It feels good to give Calle the chance. Of course, it's always a bit uncertain, but the feeling is that he's fit and in a good place. He's a recognized classic skier," says national team coach Lars Ljung.
The Olympics in Italy have been tough so far for the Swedish men's skiers.
In Friday's 10 kilometer freestyle, William Poromaa was the best Swede in 20th place, and Edvin Anger noted that the men's skiers were "all-round good".
In Sunday's relay, Calle Halfvarsson gets his first chance in Italy. The veteran is making his fourth Olympics and will ski Sweden's second leg.
Truls Gisselman - who had the race of his life in the skiathlon when he came seventh - has had cold symptoms and is isolated from the rest of the squad, the national team management announced.
