Yeah the chances of him playing this year's French Open is slim, but we can't discount the possibility that he "might" enter this year. Yes it's demanding and this is like his weakness but then again we wanted to see him and maybe win this tournament even for the last time. He is very selective and that is good so that we can see him play more tennis. But this tournament could be a final nail in his storied career if he ever win this year.
I just read article about Nadal in local newspaper which shortly referenced that Nadal will be playing Madrid next weak and they wrote that Federer will be in the Madrid as well. If that is true and not some sort of typo/mistake then I have been wrong and Federer will surly play French open.
Thanks for the update man, but it looks like the competition is tough with Nadal, Djokovic, Zverev and Dominic Thiem on the line. And just imagine if Federer was able to win this tournament and steam roll those players or at least some of them, then the whole French Open landscape will change.