Carver is hopeful that the Algerian – who has returned to training – will be fit for the game at the Stadium of Light.
Defender Massadio Haidara is sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery last week.
And versatile midfielder Jack Colback will be needed to fill in at left-back again, meaning Anita, Abeid or Jonas Gutierrez – who came off the bench against Arsenal – are all vying to line up alongside stand-in skipper Moussa Sissoko in central midfield.
“Every man jack of them stuck by their guns against Arsenal,” said Carver.
“Sometimes when you’re down to the bare bones, people come together and stick together, and I’ve certainly seen that in the performance.
“We talked how it’s our responsibility to get the fans going, and we certainly did that in the second half
“Even though we lost the game, they appreciate people having go for the team.”