What does the cryptic crossword clue "Desperately wants to protect suffering hero (8)" mean?

The definition is "hero". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). ILL (synonym="suffering from sickness or, well, illness") in ACHES (synonym="desperately wants/yearns for") = ACHILLES; definition: "hero" The answer is ACHILLES.

Desperately wants to protect suffering hero (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29200 | 17 Down | 2023-10-13 flower

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