``It's a closed argument,'' Berlusconi said in comments published on Milan's Web site Tuesday.

Berlusconi had said Saturday that he wanted to reacquire the forward, who moved to English champion Chelsea in May for 30 million pounds (C$68 million) after seven seasons with Milan.

The Ukraine striker, who had 173 goals in 296 games for Milan, has only scored four in 20 matches for Chelsea, sparking speculation that he could return to Italy during the January transfer window.

The 30-year-old Shevchenko was also quoted in British media on Thursday as saying he was prepared to leave _ although Chelsea issued a statement denying the reports.

But Berlusconi said Tuesday that he had ``full faith'' in Milan's current squad and coach Carlo Ancelotti, despite having won only one of its last seven league games to be in 15th place in the Serie A.

Milan also started the season with an eight-point penalty from the Italian match-fixing scandal.

``Milan has a great squad,'' Berlusconi said. ``But when you can only count on half of it due to injuries, there can be problems.''

Milan has eight players out injured, including goalkeeper Dida, defender Alessandro Nesta and playmaker Kaka.

``The squad is still decent. I don't believe it will be increased,'' Berlusconi added.