Seamer Atkinson Compounds England's Injury Problems.
'Significant concern' for the touring side after Atkinson leaves the field due to a hamstring issue.
The English seamer further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad upon exiting the ground during Saturday's play of the fourth Ashes Test in the Ashes series.
The right-arm seamer felt a problem in his hamstring after the final ball of the fourth over at the MCG.
Team management reported the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and required time away from the action for further assessment "during the day".
The final Test of the tour at the SCG begins on Sunday, 4 January.
England have previously lost key quicks Mark Wood with a knee problem and Jofra Archer because of a side injury on the current trip.
Matthew Fisher was called up to provide backup.
His form was underwhelming during the first two matches, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was left out of the third Test, then recalled for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI.
Surrey's Atkinson improved at the MCG, bagging two scalps with the ball, then making 28 while batting being one of only three English batsmen to get into double digits.
Post a single over late on the first day, he returned the next day and removed Scott Boland taken by the wicketkeeper.
However, on the final ball of his spell, he delivered a variation to the batsman and immediately felt his left hamstring.
Atkinson was brought back for the fourth Ashes Test following his omission the Adelaide game.
