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The pace bowler added to England's injury problems when he left the playing area early on day two of the fourth Ashes Test versus the Australians.

The right-arm seamer experienced discomfort in his left leg immediately following a delivery that he bowled during the morning session.

The touring camp indicated Atkinson felt some "soreness" and required time on the sidelines in order to be assessed "during the day".

The final Test of the series beginning on 4 January begins on Sunday, 4 January.

The English side has been without strike bowlers one seamer due to knee trouble and another paceman to a side strain on the current trip.

Matthew Fisher was called up to provide backup.

Atkinson struggled early in the series, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.

He was omitted from the previous Test, then recalled for the Boxing Day match to fill the void.

Surrey's Atkinson performed better in the fourth Test, bagging two scalps in Australia's first innings, before adding 28 while batting among just a trio of English batsmen to get into double digits.

Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he returned the next day and had nightwatchman taken by the wicketkeeper.

Yet, on the final ball of his spell, he sent down a slower ball to Travis Head and suddenly grabbed for his hamstring.