Jimmy Kimmel briefly stepped away from his summer break to mock US Senator Mitch McConnell by sharing an edited version of the Republican lawmaker’s recently released hospital photograph.

The comedian posted the image on Instagram as questions continued over McConnell’s health following his recent hospitalisation.

McConnell released a photograph of himself alongside his wife, former US Labour Secretary Elaine Chao, while holding a copy of Sunday’s edition of The Washington Post.

The image was intended to address speculation about his condition after he was admitted to hospital following a medical episode at his Washington, DC, home a month earlier.

In a statement, McConnell said he had briefly lost consciousness after a fall and confirmed that he had not suffered a stroke or heart attack or broken any bones.

“I can assure you that I’ve been a good patient. At my age, I tend to do what my doctors tell me to do. I’ve submitted to every test they can think of to help figure out what caused this incident. And I’m continuing to do everything they ask to speed my recovery.”

The photograph prompted mixed reactions online, with some critics questioning its timing after it was released hours following the news of US Senator Lindsey Graham’s death.

Kimmel responded by posting a digitally altered version of the image featuring his own face in place of McConnell’s. Referring to both the senator’s photograph and his own absence from television, he wrote, “For those who’ve been asking, I’m feeling great.”

Kimmel’s post attracted reactions from several public figures, including actor Henry Winkler and Representative Jasmine Crockett.

The comedian, who is currently away from Jimmy Kimmel Live! during its summer hiatus, is expected to return to the programme in September.

Kimmel has remained an outspoken critic of US President Donald Trump and several of his political allies despite repeated criticism from the White House and the president himself.