Seamer Atkinson Compounds the English team's Injury Concerns.
'Major setback' for England as Atkinson is forced off due to a hamstring issue.
Gus Atkinson further complicated the fitness woes of the England squad after leaving the playing area during Saturday's play of the Boxing Day Test in the Ashes series.
The right-arm seamer felt a problem in his left leg after the final ball of the fourth over during the morning session.
Team management indicated the 27-year-old had experienced "tightness" and was to take time off the field in order to be assessed "over the next few hours".
The series decider in this Ashes battle at the SCG gets underway at the end of the week.
The English side has previously lost fast bowlers one seamer due to knee trouble and Jofra Archer because of a side injury during this series.
Matthew Fisher was called up as cover for Wood.
His form was underwhelming in the opening two Tests, claiming a mere a handful of scalps.
He was left out for the Adelaide match, then recalled for the Boxing Day match in the playing XI.
Surrey's Atkinson showed better form in Melbourne, claiming a couple of wickets during the host's first knock, and scoring 28 runs while batting being one of only three teammates to reach double figures.
Post a single over in Australia's second innings, he came back on Saturday morning and removed Scott Boland Scott Boland caught behind.
Yet, towards the conclusion of his spell, he sent down a variation to Travis Head and suddenly grabbed his left hamstring.
Atkinson was recalled for the Melbourne match after being left out the previous Test.
