The England midfielder has suffered a succession of injuries since joining City and has so far made six appearances – all from the bench - but Pep Guardiola says Phillips is ready to play if selected against Saints.
“He’s always ready,” said Guardiola.
“He needed a little bit of time but he’s ready.
“We have to see (if he will start), but he’s intelligent. He is normally a holding midfielder. He has an incredible work ethic.
“He was educated in Leeds with Marcelo Bielsa.
“He had the commitment in every training session and every game, so I don’t have doubts, but of course there are pattern and movements, he needs time and games.
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“He was injured and could not be there, but step by step he will get it.”
When asked what he thought of Jack Grealish’s assessment that he had found it hard to adapt to City’s style, Pep said: “For me it’s not hard. The way we want to play is so simple.
“Run without the ball and be in a position to get the ball in better conditions. I read the words from Jack and understand.
“At Aston Villa they said do whatever you want, move here left, right. Here you stay in position.
“Sometimes you need a little bit more time for that. We spoke with Jack about football tactics, and he understands why we want to play in this way. It’s not difficult.”
On Southampton, the boss says Nathan Jones is starting to see his influence take effect at St Mary’s.
The former Luton Town manager had lost his first four games in charge before the weekend FA Cup win at Crystal Palace.
Guardiola says Southampton have historically been difficult opposition – and he is expecting nothing less for Wednesday’s game.
“It’s an away game and- it’s always better to play at home,” he said.
“They are in a difficult position. A new manager. We knew with Ralph how we struggled every season.
“They have changed some patterns and movements, that is normal, and we have to adapt and we will try to impose our game.
“We want to reach the semi-final tomorrow.”
