Phillips to miss Crewe opener
The 34-year-old has missed Alex's entire pre-season due to a lump on his knee.
The club are awaiting news from a consultant on the injury, but the keeper who appeared in every game last season will start the new campaign watching from the stands.
Manager Steve Davis told the club's official website: "It is unfortunate that Steve played every game last season and now he is set to miss the first game in League One. He is understandably gutted and we are gutted for him.
"We are still waiting news from the consultant and we just want to make the right decision with him. At his age, it has to be right and we don't know if he will need surgery or if he can play with the lump on his knee.
"We do not have the expertise to make that decision and we trust the consultant's judgement. We would like the situation sorted as quickly as possible."