Australia's hopes of regaining the Ashes have taken another blow after Simon Katich was ruled out until at least the new year with an Achilles injury.

The left-hander picked up the injury while fielding on day three of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. He decided to open the batting for Australia on day four despite being in pain and was sent to the hospital straight after his dismissal post-lunch.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris confirmed that Katich is unlikely to play again in the series.

"Simon Katich has struggled through the second Test match with an Achilles tendon injury that became increasingly painful during the fielding innings," he said.

"Achilles tendinopathy can be a complex injury and based on Simon's current symptoms and results of a scan undertaken last night, it is unlikely that he will be available to play any further part in this Ashes series.

"I believe that with a thorough rehabilitation program Simon will be able to return to cricket some time in the new year."

Australia, who are 1-0 down in the series after losing the second Test by an innings and 71 runs, are yet to name a replacement for the injured Katich.