'Serious blow' for the touring side as Atkinson goes off with a hamstring injury.
The pace bowler further complicated England's injury problems upon exiting the ground during Saturday's play of the fourth Ashes Test in the Ashes series.
Atkinson felt a problem in his left hamstring post-delivery of the fourth over during the morning session.
Team management indicated the 27-year-old felt some "soreness" and required time on the sidelines to undergo evaluation "in the coming hours".
The concluding match of the tour at the SCG gets underway on Sunday, 4 January.
The English side has been without strike bowlers Mark Wood due to knee trouble and another paceman to a side strain during this series.
A replacement bowler was called up as cover for Wood.
Atkinson struggled during the first two matches, claiming a mere three wickets.
He was omitted of the third Test, only to be brought back for the Melbourne Test in the playing XI.
The county bowler performed better in the fourth Test, claiming a couple of wickets in Australia's first innings, and scoring 28 runs while batting being one of only three England players to reach double figures.
Following a brief spell in Australia's second innings, he returned for the second day's play and dismissed the nightwatchman edging to the keeper.
Unfortunately, at the end of the fifth over, he sent down a change of pace to Travis Head and suddenly grabbed at his leg.
Gus Atkinson returned to the side for the Melbourne match following his omission the previous Test.
