'Significant concern' for the touring side after Atkinson goes off suffering a hamstring problem.
The pace bowler further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad when he left the field on the second morning of the fourth Ashes Test versus the Australians.
Atkinson pulled up with his left leg after the final ball that he bowled on Saturday.
The touring camp stated Atkinson reported "discomfort" and was to take time on the sidelines to undergo evaluation "over the next few hours".
The final Test of the series at the SCG begins on Sunday, 4 January.
The visitors have previously lost fast bowlers one seamer due to knee trouble and another paceman to a side strain during this series.
Matthew Fisher was called up to provide backup.
His form was underwhelming during the first two matches, managing only a handful of scalps.
He was omitted of the third Test, before being recalled for the fourth Test in the playing XI.
Surrey's Atkinson improved at the MCG, bagging two scalps with the ball, and scoring 28 runs with the bat being one of only three English batsmen to reach double figures.
Following a brief spell at the end of day one, he resumed for the second day's play and had nightwatchman Scott Boland caught behind.
Yet, on the final ball of his spell, he sent down a change of pace to Travis Head and promptly felt at his leg.
Atkinson was brought back for the fourth Ashes Test following his omission the previous Test.