Paceman Atkinson Compounds England's Injury Concerns.
'Major setback' for the touring side after Atkinson leaves the field suffering a hamstring problem.
Gus Atkinson added to the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the ground during Saturday's play of the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.
Atkinson felt a problem in his hamstring after the final ball in his spell at the MCG.
The England team stated Atkinson reported "discomfort" and was to take time off the field for further assessment "over the next few hours".
The series decider of the series beginning on 4 January gets underway on Sunday, 4 January.
The visitors have previously lost key quicks Mark Wood to a knee injury and Jofra Archer with an abdominal strain on the current trip.
A replacement bowler was called up as injury reinforcement.
Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was omitted for the Adelaide match, before being recalled for the fourth Test to fill the void.
Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, claiming a couple of wickets with the ball, before adding 28 with the bat as one of just three English batsmen to reach double figures.
After bowling one over in Australia's second innings, he returned on Saturday morning and dismissed the nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Unfortunately, towards the conclusion of the fifth over, he bowled a variation to the batsman and immediately felt at his leg.
The English bowler returned to the side for the Melbourne match following his omission the previous Test.