Said they massaged it as required (6)

I believe the answer is:

needed

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'required' is the definition.
(I know that required can be written as needed)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for needed that I've seen before include "Required something essential" , "Essential; called for" , "Obligatory" , "'Wanted, required (6)'" , "Was in want of" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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