The Spanish goalkeeper was back from his mysterious stomach illness last Saturday and no doubt expected to return to action; instead he was wrapped up, complete with warm winter hat, looking thoroughly unimpressed as he watched Vito Mannone retain his place in the team.
And Mannone was again in goal for their Champions League match against AZ Alkmaar in Holland, suggesting that manager Arsene Wenger now considers the 21-year-old Italian as his first choice keeper.
So, is this the end of Almunia's reign as Arsenal's number one?
It certainly appears likely, although Mannone has hardly made a watertight case for a permanent promotion during his brief spell in the team, which will only fuel Almunia's discontent.
Almunia had to wait for almost three years before he took over from Jens Lehmann, serving his apprenticeship in the Carling Cup games when he was often the oldest player in the team by a considerable margin. To see that position taken away by a youngster is certain to grate.
And Almunia's mood won't be helped by recalling the similarities between the current situation and how he eventually replaced Lehmann three years ago.
Lehmann, who had made errors against Fulham and Blackburn Rovers earlier in the season, suffered Achilles and elbow injuries, but recovered in time to play for Germany against Ireland.
However, on his return to Arsenal, Lehmann was not even selected among the substitutes to face Bolton, with Lukasz Fabianski taking that spot. For the rest of a frustrating season, Lehmann was only involved when Almunia was injured and he left the club at the end of the season.
Polish international Fabianski is another barrier for Almunia as he bids for a Premier League comeback. The 24-year-old has also returned from knee surgery to battle it out for a starting berth.
It leaves three goalkeepers with valid claims for a first team place and Wenger will have to upset two of them - and Almunia is right to fear he could lose out.
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