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It’s a case of one step forward, two steps back for Chris Phillips in his hopes of returning to the Ottawa Senators lineup.

Senators general manager Bryan Murray confirmed Tuesday that the player who holds the franchise record for most games played (1,179) will not be ready for training camp on Sept. 18.

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“Chris has experienced a setback in his recovery from back surgery that will delay his return to the ice,” Murray said in a statement.

“While the back surgery earlier this summer has alleviated the issues he experienced last season, he suffered a cracked vertebrae during his rehabilitation. Chris will require about a month of additional rehab before he’s able to begin training and will not be a participant in training camp.

“We do expect him to fully recover and be a big contributor to the team’s success this season.”

Phillips, 37, hasn’t played since breaking Daniel Alfredsson’s games-played mark in January.

The injury opens the door for Chris Wideman, the reigning AHL defenceman of the year, to earn a spot on the team in training camp. Mikael Wikstrand, who will attend rookie camp beginning Thursday, also moves up the depth chart.