'Major setback' for the touring side after Atkinson leaves the field suffering a hamstring problem.
Gus Atkinson increased the injury concerns plaguing England when he left the playing area on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test versus the Australians.
Atkinson experienced discomfort in his left leg post-delivery that he bowled during the morning session.
Team management stated Atkinson felt some "soreness" and was to take time on the sidelines in order to be assessed "during the day".
The series decider of the series beginning on 4 January gets underway on Sunday, 4 January.
England have already lost strike bowlers Mark Wood to a knee injury and another paceman to a side strain during this series.
Matthew Fisher was added to the party to provide backup.
The seamer had a tough time in the opening two Tests, taking just a handful of scalps.
He was dropped of the third Test, then recalled for the Boxing Day match to fill the void.
The county bowler showed better form in Melbourne, taking two wickets with the ball, then making 28 while batting being one of only three England players to reach double figures.
Post a single over in Australia's second innings, he came back on Saturday morning and dismissed the nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
However, on the final ball of his spell, he bowled a variation to Travis Head and suddenly grabbed his left hamstring.
The English bowler was brought back for the fourth Ashes Test after being left out the previous Test.