Phillips has missed both of Manchester City’s last two fixtures since limping off in the charity game against Barcelona, whilst Ake and Grealish have not featured since the 4-0 win over Bournemouth three weeks ago.
They are both now back in full training, with Pep Guardiola admitting they have impressed in the build-up to Saturday’s game against Villa.
Phillips is yet to rejoin the squad, and the boss says it remains unclear as to whether he will recover in time to face the Midlands outfit.
“Nathan and Jack trained yesterday and trained really well,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference.
“Kalvin not yet but we’ll see in the last session today.”
Aymeric Laporte is the other notable absentee.
The Frenchman has not played this season as he continues to recover from the knee surgery he had during the summer.
Guardiola says he could be ready to resume training after this month’s international break, but does not expect him to be available for selection until the end of September.
“I think he will be ready [to train] after the international break,” he added.
“We will not force it. A knee injury is a tough injury. I cannot forget being in that position and playing against West Ham away and the final game against Aston Villa when we did not have an alternative because Ruben was injured and Nathan was injured.
“This is one of the reasons we decided to go for Manu Akanji.
“It is surgery and it needs time. End of September, beginning of October [he will be back].”
City travel to the Midlands in fine form and will be looking to extend our unbeaten start the season against a struggling Villa side.
Steven Gerrard’s men have won only one of their opening five games and have lost their last three fixtures since a 2-1 win over Everton.
Gerrard admitted he is concerned by his team’s form following their midweek defeat to Arsenal, but Guardiola is predicting a difficult game.
“It’s more dangerous right now,” he said.
“I would prefer Aston Villa to be in a better position in the table. Always they are difficult but tomorrow will be more difficult for the fact they have won one game.
“The quality is there with the manager but with the players. They add Dendoncker and Bednarek, two experienced players.
“I cannot imagine how tough it will be.”
