Fast bowler Atkinson Adds to England's Injury Concerns.
'Major setback' for the touring side as Atkinson is forced off suffering a hamstring problem.
The pace bowler further complicated the injury concerns plaguing England when he left the field early on day two of the Boxing Day Test against Australia.
The pace bowler pulled up with his hamstring post-delivery in his spell at the MCG.
The England team stated the 27-year-old reported "discomfort" and was to take time on the sidelines for further assessment "during the day".
The concluding match in this Ashes battle in Sydney gets underway this coming Sunday.
The visitors have previously lost strike bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman to a side strain on this Ashes tour.
Matthew Fisher was added to the party as cover for Wood.
Atkinson struggled in the opening two Tests, managing only a handful of scalps.
He was dropped of the third Test, before being recalled for the Melbourne Test to fill the void.
The county bowler performed better in the fourth Test, bagging two scalps with the ball, before adding 28 while batting among just a trio of teammates to reach double figures.
Following a brief spell late on the first day, he returned for the second day's play and had nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Yet, on the final ball of the fifth over, he bowled a slower ball to Travis Head and suddenly grabbed at his leg.
The English bowler was recalled for the Melbourne match having missed the previous Test.
