Fast bowler Atkinson Compounds England's Fitness Problems.
'Major setback' for the touring side as Atkinson goes off suffering a hamstring problem.
The English seamer increased the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the playing area during Saturday's play in the Melbourne Test against Australia.
Atkinson felt a problem in his hamstring after the final ball in his spell during the morning session.
The touring camp stated the 27-year-old had experienced "tightness" and was to take time on the sidelines for further assessment "during the day".
The final Test of the series beginning on 4 January starts at the end of the week.
England have previously lost key quicks Mark Wood with a knee problem and Jofra Archer with an abdominal strain on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was brought into the squad to provide backup.
His form was underwhelming during the first two matches, managing only three wickets.
He was omitted for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Boxing Day match as Archer's replacement.
The county bowler improved at the MCG, claiming a couple of wickets with the ball, and scoring 28 runs with the bat being one of only three England players who passed ten runs.
After bowling one over in Australia's second innings, he came back for the second day's play and removed Scott Boland edging to the keeper.
Unfortunately, towards the conclusion of his spell, he delivered a variation to Travis Head and promptly felt his left hamstring.
Gus Atkinson returned to the side for the Boxing Day Test having missed the Adelaide game.
