If passed fit, Almunia is likely to take over from under-fire Lukasz Fabianski in Saturday's Premier League clash against the Black Cats at the Emirates Stadium.
William Gallas misses the match and will be out for a further fortnight with a calf strain.
Abou Diaby is out with a knee injury and Alex Song looks set to return after also being sidelined with a knee problem. Meanwhile, Robin van Persie's return from ankle damage will not be until the end of April at the earliest according to manager Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Fabianski, Sagna, Song, Campbell, Vermaelen, Clichy, Denilson, Rosicky, Walcott, Fabregas, Nasri, Eboue, Bendtner, Vela, Mannone.
