Athletic hubby is gutted and feeling a bit sore (4)

I believe the answer is:

achy

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'a bit sore' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for achy that I've seen before include "discomfort" , "Needing aspirin?" , "Continuously painful" , "Suffering from dull pains" , "Feeling in need of an aspirin?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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