Bit of an invalid, apparently? (3)

I believe the answer is:

ali

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'bit' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'of an invalid apparently?' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'ALI' can be found hidden inside 'invalid apparently'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ali that I've seen before include ""The Greatest" boxer" , "US heavyweight boxer" , "Muhammad ... (former fighter)" , "Muslim name" , "Muhammad ___ (or MacGraw?)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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