Phillips, who has started 511 games in his career, is not expected to play again until September after undergoing surgery on his shoulder in April.
"I've not had an operation in 14 seasons as a pro and they've gone really well," he told BBC Radio Stoke.
"I'm aiming for September, and any earlier than that will be a bonus."
Rhys Taylor will start the season in goal for Crewe after signing on loan from Chelsea, and Phillips knows he will face a challenge to regain the number one jersey when he returns from injury.
"[Manager] Dario Gradi has said that if he plays well, he'll keep his place and rightly so," continued the former Bristol City goalkeeper.
"It's up to me then to prove that I'm better than him and get me back in the team.
"Come September, if we're second or third in the league, I'll be over the moon with that.
"If he's doing the business and the club are doing well, that's great."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport