Crossword Genius

He won't strike a sore cover (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scab

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cover' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'he won't strike a sore' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'he' could be 'ab' and 'ab' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scab that I've seen before include "Blackleg (colloq.)" , "Rat" , "Someone who works during a strike" , "cause of itch?" , "Crust of congealed blood" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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