Updated

A 2-year-old Brazilian boy stuck by his stepfather with dozens of sewing needles will be released from the hospital Friday with five needles still on his body.

Doctors were expected to remove four of the remaining needles on Monday, but decided based on new tests that they don't need to be extracted immediately.

The Ana Neri Hospital said Tuesday in a statement that the needles may be removed in the future in minor procedures that don't require hospitalization.

The boy underwent three surgeries after being hospitalized in December.

The toddler's stepfather told Globo TV last year he wanted to kill the child to spite his wife. Police have formally accused him and his lover of attempted murder.