As many await the return of The Howard Stern Show on Monday, January 4, a lot are also asking about Artie Lange‘s condition. Stern’s sidekick was reported to have been hospitalized only recently.

Lange is in a hospital in New Jersey for reasons that are not yet disclosed. Lange’s camp refused to elaborate, only saying, “We can confirm that Artie is in the hospital. Artie has chosen to keep all information on this matter between him and his doctor. There will be no further comment.”

Lange has been MIA from the satellite radio show since early December. He has also canceled several stand-up shows including a New Year’s Eve engagement. And if you go to his website, you’ll also see that all his gigs for February have also been put on hold.

Some are looking on Lange’s history of substance abuse as the cause of his poor health. The star has made headlines last year for a DUI bust (for prescription sleeping pills).

Rumors are also circulating that comedian Jim Breuer is going to replace Lange on the Howard Stern Show. On Wednesday, Breuer tweeted, “Have a safe new year everyone. I’m working on a secret project soon to hopefully be announced!”

(via E! & Examiner)